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

Alright, CYNTHIA thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

When my business partner decided to leave our business, I had to make the choice to dissolve the business with her, or continue on my own. As we both had very distinct roles in the business, it meant that I would have to take on every aspect of the business, including many areas in which I had little to no experience. After careful thought, I decided to jump in with two feet and take on this immense challenge. One of my favorite quotes summed it up: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid to not try.” If I decided after a while that it wasn’t working for me/my life/my family, I could always walk away then, knowing I gave it my all. The world was not going to stop revolving if I didn’t make a success of this business. Flash forward eight months, and here I still am! I spent the first few months sorting out the “business” side (I’m a graphic designer and handled design, product research, advertising, etc.) and setting up a system that worked for me. I gradually fell into a flow, and have some big things in the works… a partnership with a number of airport stores, and I’m working with a non-profit environmental organization to donate a portion of my proceeds to support Colorado conservation efforts. I’ve long wanted the business to be something “bigger” than me, so this really fuels my fire to make this business a success.

CYNTHIA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Cynthia Tolbert, owner and designer of Living the Colorado Life®, a line of custom-designed goods and apparel, such as tees and hoodies, hats, home décor, pet gear, and insulated drink ware. I started this company about four years ago, as I really felt there was a need for high-quality, unique Colorado-branded products. Colorado is a true “destination state,” and our products represent a lifestyle that appeals to both Colorado residents and visitors.

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

It was at our weekly partner meeting—me arriving with new product ideas and fresh new designs—where my partner let me know she was leaving the business. (And there were only two of us.) I was completely blindsided when she recommended that we take a few months to sell off our inventory and then dissolve the business. While I respect her decision—everyone needs to do what’s best for them—I was shocked, and saddened, and wondering what the heck I was going to do, as I wasn’t ready to quit, but how was I going to do this by myself?? After careful consideration, I decided to continue the business on my own, even though I knew there was going to be a mountain of learning in front of me. With the support of family and friends, it has now been eight months and I feel it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Has it been easy? No way! Has it been rewarding? You bet.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

Technically I bought out my business partner when she decided to leave. As we were 50/50 partners, she was owed half of the value of the business, which I felt the “business” should pay to her. However, this would have taken a few months for the business to acquire the funds, and that wasn’t an option for her, so I had to use my personal funds for the payout. It worked out in the end, as the business just gradually paid me back. Since I was already a partner, the transaction was fairly seamless. It just took a considerable amount of time to switch business accounts over to my information, as the business mailing address was hers . And since she had set up many of the accounts for the business, it took time to set up new passwords and account info, and in some cases required me to shut down accounts and start anew.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.livingtheCOlife.com
• Instagram: livingthecoloradolife

Image Credits
All photos, Cynthia Tolbert