Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teresa Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Teresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
LEISURE & JOIE donates 3% of our annual sales to the ACLU Foundation 501(c)(3).
I knew I wanted my business to have an element of philanthropy.
Giving back in any way I can is something that is very important to me.
Standing behind their collective cause was easy, as I have always admired the dedication and tireless efforts the ACLU Foundation 510(c)(3) has made and shown in the legal work that protects against violations of and abuses of our civil liberties, in their over 100 year history.
Some examples of their most significant and recognized work includes: Fighting the Internment of Japanese Americans, Brown v. Board of Education, Equal Treatment for Lesbians and Gay Men, Protecting the Right to Privacy, and, of course, their previous and CONTINUED efforts regarding Reproductive Rights.
Their incredible work effects and protects us.
I am proud that the help of my customers, my small business can contribute, even in a small way, to their never-ending and continued work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Truth be told, “Tell me about yourself”, is probably one of the most horrifying questions anyone can ask me lol.
I generally do not like being the center of attention and on top of that, I feel like an enigma even to myself sometimes. I have so many layers!
That said, I am very grateful for this opportunity so for the sake of this piece… let me express a bit.
I am a truly introverted person that has been able to “pass” as extroverted. Years working in hospitality/restaurant/nightlife/events definitely brought the “social” element out of me. Turns out I missed my calling as an actor! Ha! I’m kidding!
Those times were filled with a lot of fun experiences, but at times I felt I wasn’t being truly authentic and so I ended up burning out. I was left with the task of rediscovering who I am, who I want to be, and how I can combine those elements with my work moving forward.
I’m also a runner – the self-discipline it takes to do that is something I value. It helps me stay focused and also to find clarity. The added health (mental and physical) benefits are important for me, as wellness, is also important to my life.
I love to read and consider myself a life-long learner. I probably start most of my sentences with, “I read”…. I am curious about people, places, and things I find interesting, intriguing, and even a bit mysterious. I love food, art, books, music that make me FEEL and savor.
I think one thing that sets me apart is my personal experience as a 1st-generation American. I think in some small way, even unbeknownst to myself until just now, LEISURE & JOIE, my online shop, ultimately stems from wanting to have a piece of the “American Dream”.
My parents came here to give themselves the chance at a better life. It wasn’t easy for them and they worked hard to make sure my siblings and I went to good schools and had what we needed.
I am grateful to them for doing what they could with what they had for my siblings and me, and especially for their example of work ethic. I know my own has been modeled by theirs.
Unfortunately, and some of you might be able to relate to this, coming from a poorer immigrant household, one is almost predisposed to developing an almost automatic scarcity mindset; especially when you have grown up and watched your parents struggle.
Working hard has its merits and I credit my own work ethic, self-discipline, and even my ambition, to the example they modeled for me. That said, creating LEISURE & JOIE represents a bit of the evolution of that scarcity mindset.
Among a lot of things, I had to find it within me to have the audacity to want more and give up the narrative that I only deserve things if I struggle. I gave myself permission to dream bigger and see if I could build something and see it thrive.
I wanted to take a softer, more aligned approach, and create a business that reflected the mindset I have always wanted to have – ease and abundance.
I have definitely been confronted with and struggled against my own scarcity mindset as I created and continue developing my business, especially, as a self-funded entrepreneur.
However, I have been putting in the work to actively make the necessary changes in my own life and mind essential to truly believe I deserve abundance, success, and to be proud of the real, not imagined practical value my small business brings to my customers and community at large. More importantly – to hold onto the belief that you can rest and thrive.
As a result, LEISURE & JOIE offers a curated selection of self-care centric, design-inspired, practical items that can be purchased for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. Many of the items work well in tandem and are also meant to add an element of aesthetic beauty to things even, as simple as, a key ring.
Though mostly thought to be an “insignificant” item, if the key ring is well-designed, it can make a great, simple gift or even serve as a conversation starter.
A key ring literally secures the things you hold dear – the key to your home, to your transportation, your office. If you are someone who loses your keys all the time… maybe it is a sign of sorts – to pay better attention to yourself?
I am most proud of being able to bridge the gap between who I was, who I am, and who I am striving to be within myself and my business.
I want potential clients, followers, fans to know that my shop is not just a place for me – but for you. If reading this inspires even one person to take action on something they’ve wanted to start – whether a business, learning a new language, etc.
Take that chance on yourself and GO for it!
Better to take a risk and see how the journey unfolds!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Interestingly enough, LEISURE & JOIE, came about as a pivot from my initial small business, a wedding & event planning business.
The phrase “Joie de Vivre” was part of that business’ name and though the pandemic really put a damper on that venture, I wanted to bridge the inspiration and the overall feeling into this business.
“Joie de Vivre” means “joy of living” in French. I feel that same energy when I think, write, or say “LEISURE & JOIE”.
It reminds me that there needs to be time made to enjoy life, the journey, the successes/failures – everything is part of the experience. No one knows how long we’re here for, living well while we’re here is important.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
My shop lives on its corner of the internet via Squarespace.
I chose it because aesthetics and design is an element that is important to me. I wanted my site to look professional, well-designed, minimal, and for it be an easy, beautiful experience for the customer.
Their templates are easy to use and it was important for me to choose them for their security. I wanted anyone coming to the shop to feel secure when they make a purchase.
I would say a con is that they’re missing an integration for customers to be able to just leave a review on the site.
The review process could be improved upon as every once in a while, the review requests sent to a customer via email get sent to junk/spam and there is no way to send a reminder for them to leave one.
Social proof is super crucial to small businesses so I hope they get that fixed! I know I’ve sent them enough “suggestions” on this lol.
This was in no way, shape or form sponsored by Squarespace by the way! Lol I have had a great experience with them overall!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leisureandjoie.com/shop
- Instagram: @shop.leisureandjoie