We recently connected with Christin Lilly and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christin, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I didn’t realize my purpose until I was headed about it in the wrong direction. I was a med school hopeful (sounds like a dangerous direction HA HA), but it wasn’t for me and in the final hours I changed course. I had a few years of really searching for who I was and what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up’. I had spent so many years buckling down in one direction I never stopped to ask, “was this going to bring me joy, would this be something I was passionate about?”. It was later I would truly understand my passion was people. Unfortunately it would still take a bit of time to find my joy and where I best served people in my element.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My husband, daughter, & I had just brought home two Ethiopian princesses. They were approximately 5 & 6 and the transition from a family of 3 to 5 was not easy. After they were comfortable speaking English and beginning to master fine & gross motor skills, I took a LONG look in the mirror and I didn’t know the woman staring back at me. I felt I had been lost, I still dressed like I was in college (soccer shorts & tees) and I wasn’t happy with the example I was setting for my 3 daughters. I had spent my youth trying to be myself and unique and somehow in my transition to adulthood I lost that. I began trying to find clothing I loved and were comfortable because both were equally important to me. I love unique, I love knowing I will be the only one looking that way. I would spend hours shopping and find nothing. I began to custom order clothes and people took notice. My neighbors wanted clothing ordered and from there, it just bloomed.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience. This word is not to be underestimated. Being resilient and being able to pivot are ever so important in any industry. I liken the business world to riding rapids. You can go down the same section of rapids a dozen times, but each time you must always be ready to ‘expect the unexpected’. Unless you are in a calm, there is always a need to be thinking, preparing, & engaging. In starting my business, I decided it was important for me to not take any loans and to grow organically. In that it was a very rigorous start. I was mobile initially but as time passed I was able to lease my first store-front. In the 6 years I have been in business, I have been mobile, had 2 different storefront locations, survived a pandemic, & also faced re-branding (trademark your business name!). It would have been so much easier to just fold the hand I was holding but stubbornness, or in a nicer way, resilience, helped me move through each issue.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I have been fiercely independent since birth. Being independent is a strength, but it can very easily be your worst weakness. “Everything in moderation” as they say and independence is the same. I made a ton of mistakes starting, growing, & maintaining my business. I felt I had to do it all. Although I can, and so can you, it isn’t a wise decision. The best way to stay grounded in independence, yet have a balance, is to know what you do best and refer the rest. Outsourcing what you dislike, or just are not fully skilled in does not make you weak or a poor business owner. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a sign that you know what your mastery skills are and rather than try to learn or improve other skills, you have those delegated to people who that is their ‘wheelhouse’. It allows you more time to do what you do best rather than learning or doing a skill subpar.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coralreefsrq.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/coralreefsrq
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/coralreefsrq
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinlilly/
- Other: I also founded a nonprofit during the pandemic. It is vital for small business owners to give back and contribute to their community. Find where you can serve in your community and do it! www.srqcommunity.org