We caught up with the brilliant and insightful JENNIE VENTURA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi JENNIE, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

My head has always been brimming with entrepreneurial ideas, although admittedly, I was unsure of how to transform them into reality. I had my fair share of minor attempts and setbacks over the years, but nothing seemed to truly take hold. In 2018, I resolved to make a change, and ironically chose a venture in an area I was least familiar with—blogging. I created my website using Wix and discovered an unexpected passion for writing. From then on, it evolved into what it is today.

Success carries a different meaning for everyone. For me, this venture is more of a hobby, and I aligned my expectations accordingly. What I’ve realized is that it was fear and self-doubt that kept me from starting earlier. I had a myriad of reasons not to begin, which in hindsight, surprised me considering my usual go-getter nature. If I had taken the plunge earlier, I might have had the opportunity to grow this into something more substantial, beyond just a side project. However, I genuinely enjoy my primary career and the evolution of my small business journey.

The most gratifying aspect of this endeavor has been the shared experience with my teenage daughter. She’s actively involved in the retail side and has even launched her own venture—creating and selling soy candles. Observing her learn about business, and cultivating her entrepreneurial spirit has been truly exhilarating!

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

My lifelong passion for business and the desire to establish my own brand is the driving force behind ‘Connecting the Dots’. While my initial focus was blogging, I quickly realized my aspiration to utilize my platform for promoting products, services, and stories that inspire me. I have a profound affection for the unique narratives that underpin each small business, as they represent individuals like myself, gradually manifesting their dreams.

This love for narrative swiftly evolved into a retail venture. I offer a diverse range of products and continually scout for fresh additions. What might you discover in my retail space? An array of natural beauty products, candles, coffee, jewelry, food items like hot sauce, candy, and beef sticks, accessories including purses, hats, scarves, gloves, and even bug spray. While the inventory keeps evolving, you will always find some perennial best-sellers. I take immense pride in the fact that over half of my inventory consists of products based in North Carolina.

You can find my retail space in The Cotton Company, situated in downtown Wake Forest. This converted cotton warehouse now serves as a vibrant marketplace and art gallery, acting as a significant attraction in the downtown area. Businesses like The Cotton Company, which function as “incubators” for budding ideas like mine, are indispensable. Without such an opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to expand into retail! I recently launched an online store on my site (SHOP CTD), further broadening the reach of ‘Connecting the Dots’.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The contemplation of embarking on “something” new had been on my mind for quite some time when I picked up Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass”. The book captivated me from the get-go. I found myself highlighting lines and dog-earing pages. The messages resonated deeply with me, providing the much-needed motivation to take that crucial first step. It was from this initial action that momentum began to build.

The book underscored a fundamental truth – the necessity to own my life’s path, quash self-doubt, and maintain unwavering belief in my aspirations. At the time, I had sought therapy for anxiety and was striving to be more present, which perfectly synced with Sincero’s message. Was it the alignment of stars? Perhaps!

A quote from the book that particularly struck a chord with me is, “Those who achieve success share one key thing: the belief that they can be, do, and have whatever they set their minds to accomplishing.” In essence, it emphasizes the need for us to move beyond our self-imposed barriers.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Several years ago, I designed and developed a product called the Zoodie, a back-zip hoodie sweatshirt intended for small children. At that time, I had no prior experience with clothing manufacturing, and quickly discovered I was venturing far beyond my comfort zone. I sought assistance, partnering with a private label manufacturer in NC to construct a prototype and oversee manufacturing. My goal was for the product to be made in the US, but the costs were prohibitive, leading me to a reluctant decision to manufacture it in China.

This endeavor proved to be an invaluable experience. Although I still have a large stock of Zoodies for sale through my business, the product didn’t take off as I had initially hoped. With hindsight, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of the reasons and have deduced several key lessons from this journey:

Seek Expert Help: Despite the associated costs, enlisting the support of third-party experts was an essential step. Their expertise proved invaluable in navigating the manufacturing process. This experience underlines the importance of not hesitating to seek help when navigating unfamiliar territory.

Prioritize Marketing: I was so engrossed in the production phase that I overlooked the importance of a robust marketing plan. At that time, the potential of promoting products and businesses via social media was in the early stages, an opportunity that I now realize could have been leveraged more effectively.

Set Clear Goals: This venture began as a side project, and I hadn’t set concrete expectations. In retrospect, I wish I had been more definitive about my end goals and pursued them more aggressively. Although I felt overwhelmed due to the phases of my life I as in, having clear goals could have provided necessary direction.

Remember, nothing worth having comes easy. Success often demands persistent effort and a resilient spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.connectingthedotswithjennie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennielynnv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectingthedotsnc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-ventura-12613b2/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/connectingthedotsnc

Image Credits
Photo Cred: Rose Trail Images