We recently connected with DeShondre Watters and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, DeShondre thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
One of the best feelings I’ve ever had, is when a customer described to me how my product helped them thru a hard time or a difficult situation. The conversations are always motivational and humbling. But the best part is when I show them my appreciation for their comments, purchase, and unwitting motivation; people always seemed to be overjoyed at the fact that their small talk earned them extra or a discount on their next purchase. To me, it a small thing compared to the inspiration they’ve provided me with, but to them I think it is like building a personal bond with the brand. That’s good for community relations & for business!
DeShondre , 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?
The Watters Family Bottling Company was founded and structured during the Covid pandemic of 2020. The Watters Bottling Company is a Black-Owned, Family-Owned and operated entity with deep, long standing ties within the inner city of Louisville and to it’s community leaders and organizations. By leveraging those same relationships within our community; organizations, business owners, entertainers, athletes, and influencers we are able to capture the heart of our people who are also our customers, our motivation, and the ones we give back to. We
call it the “WATTERS” CYCLE.
The SLEEK & Compact design of “Watters Waters“ is EYE catching and appealing to water lovers, new customers and curious eyes. At first glance you will be enticed by
the design, then entranced by the clean, pure, and smooth taste once you’ve had a splash. By using the water filtration process of REVERSE OSMOSIS we eliminate impurities and promote re-mineralization. The outcome is 100% filtered and purified water! The combination of aesthetic & quality produces long-term repeat customers of the Watters Brand.
Our mission is to promote safe and healthy living across communities in Louisville, KY. By using Watters Waters and our partnerships with HOPE BY HOPE, NO MORE RED DOTS, AMERICLE-ADE LEMONADE and SCHOOLER PREP ACADEMY we aim to educate our youth on entrepreneurial opportunities and Financial Literacy. Our business model and tactics are taught in program workshops catered to young students and athletes. Our goal is provide mentorship and opportunities for early entrepreneurship, produce more financially literate youth, teach budgeting and money management.
Also, in 2023 we will be offering Spring Watters and Alkaline Watters for our more water conscious consumers.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the initial months of business kicking off, I actually lost 2 family members (brothers) that were an integral part of my life and motivation.
I didn’t realize it at first, but I had used the day to day “grind” of the company to suppress my grief and hide some of my feelings; which could have had catastrophic implications on my mental and our company.
I had to make an executive decision, to pivot and work on my mental health and not let the stress of my grief run off into the company. So I took a small hiatus from the daily grind, built myself, and gradually worked on upgrading my business and setting up our major bounce back after our minor setback!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
The main thing that helped build my reputation within the market, was my connection to the community. Involving the youth, advocating at community events, and being a visible representation of our product. It resonated with the people and developed my companies legitimacy, which created more relationships and opportunities. Word of Mouth Marketing is our Best Friend!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.watterswaters.com
- Instagram: @watterswaters
- Facebook: Watters Waters