Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Motzer

Hi Shannon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Prior to covid my business had been mobile. I loved the traveling, markets and meeting new people on a weekly basis.
Then Covid changed everyone’s life and livelihood. Life as I knew it stopped rather abruptly.
I had to get creative to try and keep my business or some form of it alive during that time.
Like my daughter, Mackinley, I too, began my current business in the middle of the pandemic. God provides a way and people to help even in the worst of times. During the Holiday Season of 2020 I received an opportunity to have a small pop-up shop with my business. I took that opportunity without hesitation. All I wanted to do was earn enough to help my family get through the remainder of the pandemic.
This small opportunity turned into having a permanent space at the tourist destination where the pop up was held…. within the first 2 years my boutique grew to another location in a nearby town.
I am now going into my 4th year and have 2 brick and mortar locations and 2 satellite locations.
Without the inspiration from my daughter, support from my family, the handy man skills of my husband and God blessing me with opportunities and putting the right people in my path to help… I don’t think I would be where I am now.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The challenges of a small business are very different than that of a corporation who has many employees.
We as small business owners, are all of the employees in one body.
We are the marketing team, accounting department, inventory manager, sales associate just to name a few.
With this many hats it’s not surprising why some people suffer from stress and feel overwhelmed.
The last few years have been a roller coaster ride with the decline in the economy.
My boutique has suffered a severe decrease in sales and just like everyone we had to “tighten our belt”.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Lavender Trail. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

My most current challenge is trying to expand my customer base in the current economy. This challenge is forcing me to learn and expand my skills in social media. Which I am in dire need.
I want to learn, don’t misunderstand. It’s finding someone that is willing and patient enough to teach me.
When my daughter came home for a visit last year, I received a crash course on Instagram.
I am currently trying to get over the anxiety of being on camera… I’m trying the “fake it, ’till I make it” course.
And, I’m trying to find the humor within all of my videos… I’m learning people like to see others being “human”, making mistakes and trying… It makes us relatable and inspires others to “be scared and do it anyway”

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?

Don’t be afraid of change.
Looking back, I don’t think that I have any special skills, qualities or knowledge. Just an ability to change and adapt.
Everyone has opportunities both small and large… some opportunities show up when you’re not even looking. It’s what you do when opportunity knocks. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a special “ring tone” or an easy path to follow. Sometimes opportunity is just an idea and you have to figure out how to make it work for you.
Opportunities and blessings are very similar…
1. You hear the “knock”? Answer
2. Someone offers help? Take it
3. You say that you’re scared? Do it anyway!!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopthelavendertrail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelavendertrail
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopthelavendertrail