We recently connected with Barbara Cooney and have shared our conversation below.

Barbara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

“Embracing Entrepreneurship: My Journey to Success with Sosospiffy Staging and Design

Life has an incredible way of leading us down unexpected paths, and my journey is a testament to that. As a former broadcast journalist, my career path was exciting and fulfilling, but it was my later venture that truly defined my success. At the age of 52, I took a leap of faith and founded Sosospiffy Staging and Design, marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in my life.

Before this new venture, I had already embarked on two other business endeavors. However, it wasn’t until I entered my 50s that I decided to carve a path in the staging and design industry. With eight years behind me, Sosospiffy has grown exponentially, expanding its reach and impact in ways I could have never imagined.

The decision to start Sosospiffy was rooted in a desire for reinvention. As I watched my four children grow and prepare to leave the nest, I knew it was my time to pursue something new. Having juggled the responsibilities of both raising kids and launching previous businesses, I had put my aspirations on hold for a while. But with my youngest child nearing high school graduation, I knew the time had come to re-enter the business world with a fresh perspective.

Sosospiffy started as a staging company, breathing life into spaces with creativity and design finesse. As time passed, the venture evolved into something even greater. I established ‘The Shoppin Shindig,’ a monthly warehouse sale, which turned into a successful retail shop. This shift in focus from staging to retail brought remarkable revenue growth, even though we still continued to stage homes as an integral part of our business.

Over the years, the business expanded its presence, establishing itself in two locations: Birmingham, Alabama, and Austin, Texas. The growth has been remarkable, and I am proud of the opportunity this venture has provided me, especially as I approach my 60th birthday. Many women who have put their careers on hold to raise their children often find themselves at a crossroads when their kids leave the nest. However, for me, this was the beginning of a new chapter, filled with passion and fulfillment.

But that’s not all. In addition to building a thriving business, I’ve also been focused on the future. Sosospiffy Staging and Design is a legacy in the making, as I’ve crafted it with the intention of creating a successful succession plan for my four children. If they choose, they have the option to take over the business one day, continuing the legacy and vision that I’ve worked so hard to establish.

The journey from broadcast journalism to entrepreneurship has been transformative. As an empty nester, I didn’t lose myself; instead, I found a renewed sense of purpose and achievement. Today, I am busier and more fulfilled than ever before. Sosospiffy Staging and Design has not only rekindled my entrepreneurial spirit but has also shown me that it’s never too late to start something remarkable.”

Barbara, 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?

As the founder and business owner of Sosospiffy, I have witnessed the power of design to transform houses into homes, injecting each space with personality and charm. Through meticulous staging processes, we take ordinary houses and turn them into extraordinary havens. But we are not confined to the boundaries of a single endeavor. Our journey has been one of innovation and evolution, leading us to establish ‘The Shoppin Shindig’ – a vibrant, once-a-month warehouse sale.

At ‘The Shoppin Shindig,’ our created collections take center stage, showcasing the very essence of our design philosophy. The beauty lies not only in the designs themselves but also in the unique shopping experience we offer. We’ve created an oasis of enjoyment, one that beckons customers to immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere complete with music, outstanding customer service, and even the joy of a complimentary margarita upon entering. This experience was born post-Covid, a time when we sought to infuse life back into shopping and create a haven of happiness.

Our brand is a balance of approachability and sophistication. While our designs are serious and meticulously crafted, our ethos exudes an approachability and lightheartedness that makes us relatable and engaging. We understand that design should be an experience that resonates with everyone, and that belief is deeply ingrained in our brand’s DNA.

The heart of our success lies in the fact that we are not just a business; we are a community. Our repeat customers, who eagerly return each month, have become a part of our extended family. Their unwavering support uplifts us and serves as a testament to the impact we’ve had on their lives and spaces.

Throughout this journey, our staging business has remained a cornerstone of our brand. Each staging project is an opportunity for us to exceed expectations, to transform a house into a canvas of high-end design. Our dedication to perfection is unwavering, as we believe that every space has the potential to tell a story.

Today, as we stand at the intersection of success and aspiration, I am proud of the path we’ve forged. Sosospiffy Staging and Design is a beacon of creativity, a testament to the power of innovation, and a reminder that even after 50, there’s always room to embark on new beginnings. We are more than a brand; we are a sanctuary of design, a haven of happiness, and a celebration of the beauty that can be found in every space.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My journey began with just one follower on Instagram. From the outset, I had a clear vision of our target audience and the customers we aimed to attract. My intention was always to cultivate a robust Instagram following, creating a dedicated community of loyal customers. However, the algorithm’s quirks presented their fair share of hurdles along the way. Over the span of eight years, we’ve painstakingly built a following of 13,000 on Instagram. Yet, this journey has proved to be immensely beneficial. While we now boast multiple marketing touchpoints, our social media presence remains the cornerstone of our marketing strategy.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the heart of the Covid-19 storm, as the world shut down, Sosospiffy faced a daunting challenge. With revenues plummeting to zero, the future of the business hung in the balance.

The first pivot to an online presence seemed like the lifeline, but the reality was harsh. The virtual realm was crowded, and standing out proved elusive. Yet, your entrepreneurial spirit refused to falter.

Amid the struggle, a spark of innovation emerged. It was during this time that the idea of “Shindigs” took shape. Born out of necessity, this retail experience promised more than just shopping. It aimed to provide a haven of joy and community – a place where people could find a happy spot.

. Shindigs was not just about products; it was about creating an atmosphere, an experience that would linger in the hearts of customers. Amidst uncertainty, your unyielding dedication to survival and success we drove the idea to life.

And then, the day arrived. Shindigs opened its doors, offering more than just merchandise. It provided a space for people to rediscover the simple joy of browsing, interacting, and connecting. The “shopping shindig” became a beacon of hope, a sanctuary from the gloom of Covid-19.

The ability to adapt, to think outside the box, and to persevere against all odds is what being an entrepreneur is all about. As an entrepreneur, there are no excuses; only a relentless pursuit of solutions and a commitment to survival.

In the end, Shindigs was more than a retail experience; it became a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sosospiffy.com
• Instagram: @sosospiffydesign
• Facebook: @sosospiffydesign
• Linkedin: @barbaracooney