We recently connected with Cardie Molina and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cardie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
At the time I knew oilcloth (ubiquitous tablecloth fabric) was something not available commercially in the USA. It was something I loved as a kid in the 5&10. I had seen it on my trips to Mexico and always bought a yard or two, my friends would as well. After having 3 children I left a satisfying job in the museum, when they all entered school I wanted to return to work. I was lucky to be accepted in a program called AWED (American Women’s economic Development) which was a fast free course on starting your own business. It was a confidence builder and I went into sourcing and starting my business of importing and wholesale distribution jniwing I would succeed.
Cardie, 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 looked at the business as like a spoke in the wheel. Knowing you are dependent on so many always look for the best people and treat them with respect. Learn and listen to advice others will give you. Play by the rules and keep accounts up to date and work hard. I had a open window of opportunity pre internet, google and all that. We still have customers we met on our first trade show. My daughter has taken over day to day and most operations. I enjoy mentoring her and hope our small business can continue another 28 years!
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
When starting I only sold yardage on rolls and cut pieces – tablecloths. I joined with a rep at the LA Mart and she said “you can’t have a libe with just one product!”, thats when I added placemats, totebags, aprons. Pet products, vanity kits, etc. we had great success! I did have to source small sewing contractors in LA and again found a perfect fit. All of that involved different marketing, labeling, tradeshows. It was great advice!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When Covid hit I was worried and put all employees on furlough. I would go in and try to keep things going but it became obvious I needed my people! Everyone was happy to return. One lucky thing was we were prepared to sell online retail and as our website had been set up for years as wholesale only. About a year before covid we had made the big decision to make our products available for everyone online and that was essential during the pandemic.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.oilcloth.com
- Instagram: Oilcloth_international
- Linkedin: Oilcloth International, Inc.
Image Credits
Cardie Molina