Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dee Jackson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dee , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Following an injury my career as a RN halted. While at home recovering I decided to take the leap and start a full time small business. I had a “side hustle” while working and thought this was the perfect time to see if I can make it work. I was terrified. All the fearful thoughts ran through my mind. But I kept pressing, also the focus on my business kept my mind off of the physical/mental challenges from my injury. The business has been filled with highs and lows. At times I want to quit but something inside won’t let me because I’m so passionate about the journey. As I continue to regroup and learn I know my business will be where I dreamt.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a former nurse who’s now an entrepreneur. During my nursing days, I discovered my passion for crafting personalized gifts on the side – a kind of stress relief. Then, a sudden on-the-job injury changed everything. It pushed me to reevaluate my career and make a faith driven shift towards my business. As a result, Just Right DEEsigns was launched. Even though I had a tough transition from nursing to a full time entrepreneur, I realized that my business became a new way of caring – a way of looking after my customers. I take pride in going the extra mile for them, meticulously perfecting each product, and offering personalized gifts that deeply resonate and make them feel truly special.

I specialize in personalized must-haves for babies and pets, plus some really heartwarming gifts that are just right for anniversaries and those special life moments.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My business started with doubts and fears, but I pushed through with determination. Seeking guidance through prayer, I faced uncertainties with faith. Leaving behind my nursing career was tough emotionally, especially dealing with sudden change, pain, and limited mobility. But I held onto prayer and resilience.

Now, I’m in a great place with my business. I streamlined operations and I’m planning a complete product overhaul, adapting to the ever-changing industry. It’s been a journey of faith, resilience, and continuous growth.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes, I launched my business in January 2020, right before the onset of COVID-19. While my sales were slowly growing they weren’t quite meeting my expectations. Then, when the pandemic hit, there was an evident surge in demand for face covers. Recognizing this need, I knew I had to adapt and pivot from my personalized gift offerings to providing face covers.

So, I rolled up my sleeves and learned how to sew. Additionally, I sourced suppliers for masks and filters. Before long, I had expanded my product line to include personalized face covers and gaiters. This strategic shift paid off – I sold hundreds of masks, all while still offering my original personalized products. With people spending more time at home and seeking unique gifts for those they couldn’t see in person, sales were thriving.

Yet, as the country began to reopen and economic uncertainty loomed, sales inevitably slowed down. It was a turning point that prompted me to take action. I embarked on a journey of research and improvement, focusing on enhancing my products, refining the customer experience, revitalizing my online store, and narrowing down my niche. These efforts were instrumental in maintaining sales momentum.

This experience has taught me a crucial lesson in business – the power of adaptability. Additionally, it’s not about remaining loyal to one product simply because I have a personal affinity for it. Instead, it’s about understanding the ever-evolving needs of customers and responding accordingly. As a business owner, embracing continuous learning, growth, and the willingness to pivot are essential components of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justrightdeesigns.com
• Other: https://justrightdeesigns.etsy.com