Member Profile:

INTERVIEW

What's the story behind your product? 

We found that microfiber sheets were becoming very popular and we loved the value in the product.  We began purchasing them wholesale and created a market for them in our local area.  However, we were not in love with the designs or branding offered.  We decided to take a leap of faith and begin designing and branding our own products to our specifications and we haven't looked back.  

What were you doing prior to starting your business?

My husband and I moved from Chicago to rural Kentucky where my parents live to help them start up a faith based travel tour company.  We had success with this business, but we quickly realized we wanted to keep this business small and niche.  With that realization came the knowledge that we would never make the money we desired for our family.  We decided to marginalize this business and we still run it today with only the few trips a year we sincerely love doing.  Anyone want to go to Italy? :-)

Tell us a little about your family and personal life.

I am married to my husband, Evalds, for 9 years.   He is originally from Riga, Latvia and we continue to spend as much time as possible in Riga with his family.  We met at Western Kentucky University where he came to play tennis on scholarship.  We have a 4 year old son, Massimo, and a 1 year old daughter, Mila.  

We love all things adventurous - outdoor activities, sports, travel, food, educational opportunities... we like to go!  

When you started your business, what did you hope to get out of it? What were your goals and dreams?

Time with my family.  Financial Peace.

Who has been your inspiration or your mentor through your business journey?

What accomplishments with your business have been the most rewarding? What are you proud of?

Working successfully with my husband and parents.  

What have been the toughest lessons you have learned since starting your business?

Knowing when to cut your losses and move on.

Have you discovered any great business tools that have been valuable to your business?  If so, what were they?

Is there any advice you wish someone would have gave you before you started your business? What would you tell someone stating your journey?

Don't focus on building an empire, focus on the process of building.  Be all consumed with trial and error.  Never become attached to the "what", but stay constantly focused on the "why".  Be willing to give up the "what" because of the "why".  The "what" can be replaced, but the "why" is irreplaceable.  

Did you make any major decisions in your business journey that drastically changed your level of success? What were they? How did those decisions help you?

Being willing to cut products that were making us money just to take calculated chances on new products that better fit our vision and brand.  

What were the biggest surprises for you?

My husband and I both grew up in entrepreneurial households so there were no big surprises.  It is relentless and we love it.  

What unique talents, strengths or assets did you bring to your business that helped you succeed?

Honestly? Just a growth mindset.  I have no special talents... and I am not trying to be humble!  I just want to try new things every day!  

What else should people know about you and/or your business?

We are a family owned business. My husband and I are business partners with my parents.  My father runs the warehouse, my Mom handles accounting and sourcing, Evalds handles all marketing & operations, and I am over design, social media, and customer relations.  We are a true family operated business.