We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anquisha Crutcher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anquisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Over a decade ago, the seed of my startup was planted within the pages of a book series “To Grandma’s House I Go” (which is available now on Amazon). Little did I know that those fictional tales would evolve into the reality of the Tanner Doll, an 18-inch wonder with detachable accessories. My vision was to encapsulate family love and faith in these toys, creating not just dolls but companions that reflect cherished values. This is the story of how it all began.

The day after the idea struck, my hours, months, and years were consumed by a whirlwind of creativity and dedication. The first step involved translating characters from the pages into a tangible form – the birth of the 18-inch Tanner Doll with its unique detachable accessories. The design process was meticulous, a journey into the physical representation of my literary inspirations.

Execution brought forth challenges and triumphs, a rollercoaster of research into manufacturing processes, material selection, and finding trustworthy partners. Decisions about features, accessories, and overall aesthetics demanded careful consideration. But beyond the physical aspects, my unwavering commitment was to infuse family love and faith into each Tanner Doll, collaborating with artisans who understood the significance of these values.

The journey was marked by uncertainties, setbacks, and adaptability. Marketing strategies were crafted to resonate with the audience, and as the dolls took shape, so did the community around them.

With each passing day, the dream transformed into reality. Launch day arrived, marking the culmination of years of passion and hard work. The Tanner doll was no longer confined to the pages of a book but stood proudly as a testament to my journey from idea to execution.

Looking back, this story is not just about a doll; it’s a narrative of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to values. I didn’t just create a product; I built a brand that resonates with those who share my love for family, faith, and the enchanting world brought to life. And so, my startup journey continues, evolving and growing alongside the audience that has embraced the love of the Tanner Doll and accessories.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello, readers! I’m Anquisha Janea Crutcher, also known as AJ Crutcher, a multifaceted individual wearing many hats – author, entrepreneur, social activist, writer, and educator. Originally hailing from a small town near Memphis, Tennessee, I’ve since found my place in San Jose, California, where I’m dedicated to sharing my love and passion for empowering individuals to better themselves.

My journey began over 15 years ago when I started writing the “To Grandma’s House I Go” series. Inspired by the memories and experiences of my childhood spent with my grandma, I realized the profound significance of grandparents in our lives. This realization sparked the desire to treasure those memories and share them with future generations through my writings.

As an author, I’ve penned several books, using my voice to not only tell captivating stories but also to educate parents and children on gaining knowledge and protection in any situation. My commitment to providing tools for personal growth and self-awareness is at the core of my creative works.

What sets me apart is my dedication to never forgetting the journey that brought me here. I’m not just an author; I’m an advocate for positive change. Through my books and advocacy efforts, I strive to create a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

I am most proud of the transformative potential of my work. It goes beyond storytelling – it’s about instilling values, imparting knowledge, and fostering connections between generations. I look forward to embracing change through my continued writing and advocacy, and I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join me on this meaningful journey. Together, we can celebrate the power of storytelling, education, and positive change.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To effectively manage a team and maintain high morale, my advice is centered around three key principles: communication, observation, and delegation. Firstly, active listening is crucial. Engage with your team, understand their concerns, and be receptive to their ideas. Secondly, keen observation allows you to identify what motivates individuals and what may hinder their productivity. Learn from both successes and challenges. Lastly, strategic task delegation ensures a fair distribution of work, leveraging each team member’s strengths. By incorporating these practices, you create a positive and collaborative work environment, fostering high morale among your team.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The foundation of my reputation within the market is built on a combination of factors, with consistency and the authenticity of my content playing pivotal roles. Consistency in delivering quality and reliable products/services has established trust among my audience. Moreover, the authenticity embedded in my content reflects genuine values and resonates with the audience, fostering a connection that goes beyond transactions. It’s this blend of consistency and authenticity that has contributed significantly to shaping a positive and enduring reputation within my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajcrutcher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aj_crutcher/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anquishajanea.crutcher
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anquisha-crutcher-4530a4247
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ajcrutcher1169
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aj_crutcher