Up until this point, I have always kept my small business and my blog separate. Not only are they separate entities, but they also are different outlets for me, both creative in their own regard, but obviously different.
A couple days ago, we received an email, in our business account, asking if we would like to participate in an interview. The premise of the email was that this magazine, was "interviewing local entrepreneurs, creatives.... for our Inspiring Stories series...." Of course, the thought of sharing our story and about our small business was super exciting!! As a new business, it can be quite challenging to get your name out there, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to reach a broader consumer margin.
The interview was held remotely, and we were able to login and submit our answers through a portal. Being that writing is my safe haven and something that brings me upmost joy, I jumped at this opportunity! Of course, I worked with my business partner, but being able to let the words flow and share my heart at a broader margin is so freaking cool!!
Once the interview goes life, I look forward to sharing it with both my Blog audience and of course within our Small Business social media pages. Until then... here is a glimpse at the interview.
Interviewee's name
Please provide your name if the interview is about you. If you are helping someone with their interview, please write their name below
Kelleen Miller & Danielle Gisonni
Location
What part of the city are you (or your business) in?
Jacksonville
Your Story
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
TWO, HIGHLY CAFFEINATED MAMAS, NAVIGATING MOTHERHOOD, PURSUING DREAMS, & PUTTING OUR SHOPPING ADDICTIONS TO GOOD USE!
(If you visit the above link, you can read our story. It is posted on our website.)
Obstacles/Challenges
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to online consumer success can easily be compared to the yellow brick road Dorothy travels on. The journey can be dark and full of peril, but when you are alongside your best friend, and have support of your family, anything is possible!
As far as obstacles and challenges are concerned, we have learned to turn said obstacles, into lessons learned and used them to drive us forward.
Fear of failure is something that we have not allowed to prevent us from succeeding, even though the thought of failing is terrifying. Instead, we have used this fear, as a way to push forward! To us, failing is like a game, if we aren’t successful in one instance or another, we dig deeper and work together, to crack the code. As mothers turned entrepreneurs, we refuse to allow any obstacle to prevent us from achieving greatness, in all aspect of the word.
The feeling that you have when you’re right on track, quickly dissipates after you see something that you’ve put so much thought and effort into, end up with zero sales- it can really be hard. But we have overcome by not losing hope and continuing to push onward. We have learned to keep experimenting in all aspects of our business and learn from what outperforms and what is underwhelming.
What has done very well for us, is not allowing ourselves to get sucked into a never ending, negativity vortex. It can become second nature to second guess yourself and your business, but when you have the skills to succeed, the drive behind you, and the support of your loved ones, anything is possible!
Our most ambitious obstacle and challenge has been who we are and how we got here. We are each mothers, to two little gentlemen and finding the balance between playdates and work dates is something we still work to navigate daily. This balance of running a successful online business, alongside of parenting our children, keeping up with our home and day to day life can oftentimes feel daunting, but we continue to pursue our dreams and focus on all that we have to succeed in and the goals that keep us going! We are mothers and mothers are capable of everything!!
Your Work
Please select one of the questions from below and tell us more about your professional life and career.
Business / Practice / Firm
What is the name of your business or organization?
Double Caffeinated Mamas
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for? What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud brand wise? What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
Double Caffeinated Mamas is a shop full of creative, caffeinated, mom paraphernalia that is *on trend*, within budget, and high quality. When browsing our site, we hope you find yourself *adding to cart* all the things that make you smile, things that speak to your soul and tug at wallet.
We are an online *only* based boutique with ready-to-ship, Glass Can Tumblers, Acrylic Tumblers, *Handmade with Love* Tees and Crewnecks, and boutique style apparel and accessories. Our business has become known for our *custom*, made-to-order Tumblers and Apparel. From birthday party t-shirts fit for the whole family, to extended-family vacation t-shirts, and even other *small- business* work apparel such as sun hats and crewnecks.
What Matters
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to us, as a company and individually as women, is our sweet boys. Our family. Our friendships.
We would not be here, speaking with you, and sharing about our online boutique, if it weren’t for the backbone, we have behind us! We have four sets, of beautiful eyes, that watch as their mommy’s work, day in and day out, to make their dreams a reality. We both have hardworking and supportive husbands who do everything in their power to ensure that we feel loved, cherished, and valued, while helping us to maintain our homes and day to day lives. We also have each other! How lucky are we to have met, using an app for playdates, and inturn met our twin flame, our soulmate in friend form. We are blessed to be here, making our dreams a reality.
I do not ever plan to marry my two passions, but I am grateful to have been able to add my personal touch to another part of our online based boutique!
Have you ever done an interview before??
What matters most to you??
How do you navigate challenges and obstacles??
Cheers y'all!
XO, Kelleen
Amended:
We are LIVE!! Ahh, the first of any of my work, to make it public like this! I am so ecstatic to be able to share this amazing opportunity with you, my blog family!
https://voyagejacksonville.com/interview/community-highlights-meet-kelleen-miller-danielle-gisonni-of-double-caffeinated-mamas/
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