We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Courtney Vaughn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Courtney below.

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is multifaceted and can look different to everyone. To me, being successful takes the courage to stand out from the crowd and be different from those around you. Learn from your mistakes and continue to get up and try again, even when you feel like you have nothing left to give. Prioritize making time for your goals and investing in the future of your company – time is one of the most valuable investments we have. Be honest with yourself when it comes to business moves and knowing when to pull back. Last, but definitely not least, keep a positive mindset in the lows and remain humble in the highs.

Courtney, 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?

Right after graduating from college, I had always imagined myself pursuing a creative career field. I had experience in graphic design and photography, so it just made sense. After many rejection emails, I found my place in the corporate world and I grew to love it. When the pandemic hit in 2020 my full-time company went fully remote, so instead of spending 1.5 hours a day driving to and from the office, I was able to spend my time on other interests. I started to flex my creative side a little more in my free time. When I couldn’t go out to take photos, I craved a new medium. I came across polymer clay and began experimenting with designing earrings. A year later that hobby became Ivy and Rose Collective, a jewelry and accessories boutique based out of Texas. I make/assemble all of our earrings and bracelets by hand and curate a selection of other accessories like hair clips. There is something for everyone at Ivy and Rose Collective.

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

For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship and creating/making pretty things. This doesn’t mean I have always been good at creating or making pretty things though. Growing up I was always trying the “next big thing” that I truly felt was going to take off. In middle school, I made sugar scrubs and in high school, I baked and decorated fancy cupcakes. When I was a freshman in college I began to freelance in graphic design and photography. I’ve always had the drive to do more than the average, and thankfully I had a support system encouraging me and supporting me financially. But it didn’t always work out. I eventually would hit a brick wall and give up. I did this with many of my interests. When I started to really create the vision of Ivy and Rose Collective, I knew this would not be another one of my failed attempts. I would give everything I had to make this what I know it can be. We’re not there yet, but I know that if not for all of my past business experiences then I would not be where I am now.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for Ivy and Rose Collective has been vendor fairs and small-town markets. Our products are easier to connect with in person and it’s evident face-to-face. It’s also special to be able to talk with potential customers and build

relationships by being present.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ivyandrosecollective.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivyandrose.collective
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivyandrosecollective

Image Credits
Ivy and Rose Collective