We were lucky to catch up with Antoinette Lisena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Antoinette, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

After working in healthcare for almost a decade, I decided I needed to change when I had my daughter. I have always known I wanted to do some thing for myself, and make my own business, but I have so many interests that I could never decide on what kind of business I wanted to pursue. I knew I wanted to be a small business but since I couldn’t decide on what kind I I asked myself how can I dabble in all of them and came up with the idea for a shopsmallbizli.com . I have no idea where I wanted to go with it, it just felt right, so I got the domain for website and it started off actually as an online Directory. It all happened really fast within a week of having the idea I had the website up and running. Shortly after I started, Covid happened and it became even more important to me to help showcase our amazing Local businesses. It was a lot of trial and error, but I think the reason businesses trusted me early on to collaborate is because I’ve always been transparent, and I always give it my all because despite my business changing as I grow like, for example I’m no longer a directory website and I now focus more on in person events and collaboration, but my mission has always remained the same.

I actually started off, wanting to be website only business because I have social anxiety and dislike, public speaking, but as my business grew, so did I as a person. The businesses I’ve met and the connections I’ve made since day one have helped me take a Shop small Biz LI to the next level and now I’ve had the pleasure of hosting so many amazing events. I definitely think i’ve seen so much success since I started, is because I offer a unique and personalized approach to networking and showcasing a business. I actually take the time to get to know the person behind the product and truly value creating a connection with them, and then helping them connect with potential customers and other business owners in the community which was my dream from the moment I came up with the business idea so it has been really slow selling to see our ShopsmallbizLI community growing.

Antoinette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I saw what amazing small businesses were around me & a need to help connect them with one another. Since starting my website I’ve helped connect businesses so they can work together. From collaborating, doing joint events, utilizing services, etc. it’s been amazing to see how a simple referral can make such a big impact for a small business. I’m so incredibly proud of the community we’re building at Shopsmallbizli.com! I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to my goal of providing quality affordable services & events. I’m proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone and turned one idea into this beautiful business that is just continuing to grow everyday. I truly love my local small business community & im so proud to be part of it & contribute. .

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I truly believe just being honest & genuine helped build my reputation. If I’m unsure of something I will say if, if I don’t think I’m a good fit to help you with your goal I’ll try to connect you with someone who is, etc. I genuinely just want to help local businesses connect/grow & by doing my work so transparently I think people have gotten to know me & trust me which has helped organically grow my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’m very open about mental health & my own personal struggles. Anxiety is something that I’ve always dealt with but after becoming a mother it became more of a daily struggle. When I started Shop Small Biz LI I had no intention of it being anything aside from a web based business, but then I began receiving invites to events, ideas for my own projects, & I quickly realized I’d have to actually put myself out there. The first ever local networking event I went to, I paced in the parking lot for an hour before going in. I drove off, came back, paced, walked to the front just to turn around, & eventually I went in. I didn’t talk to anyone & left shortly after arriving. I thought there is no way I can do this but soon after I decided to try another event. Since then I’ve gone on to host many events myself & yes actually talk! I now look forward to going to new events & meeting new people. I truly never thought it would be something I’d be capable of doing & despite still having anxiety I’m doing it! I’ve found new ways to cope & prepare myself for events which has really been helping and I’m no longer letting my mind hold me back from my passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Shopsmallbizli.com
• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Shopsmallbizli
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/shopsmallbizli
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinette-p-33176a26a

Image Credits
Day and Night Photography