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

Jojo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

The recipe to be successful is something that people have pondered over for years. Unlike baking, there is no clear precise measurements and ingredients on what it takes to be successful. Really, the word success itself is defined so vastly different by people it becomes difficult to quantify what success is. My definition of the word/feeling of success would be that I am able to provide for my immediate family as well as my extended family both financially and with my time. The way that I have been able to find my success thus far is dedicating myself to making it work. Excuses are unacceptable, if you want something bad enough then there is a way to make it happen. Being resourceful is also a key component to where I have gotten today. At the beginning of any business I have started, I looked to my peers around me and consulted with business coaches and other local entrepreneurs. Let go of your ego to be successful. Don’t let your fear dictate your path, avoiding making mistakes is a great strategy but if you avoid them with no action then that is failure within oneself. The final huge piece of wisdom I received is not to compare my professional journey to others. No one ever “wins” in the comparing game.

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

When I began getting into business is whenever my husband, Jehu Trumbly, decided to open his own. I helped him behind the scenes with his company Affordable Air Repair. At the time, I was a school teacher and had no idea how to run our own business. Now four years later, I own two of my own businesses as well as still working with Affordable Air Repair. The genesis of The Corner Cravings vendor market began right after I had my first child. I noticed there was a lack of family friendly fun things to do in the Conroe area. I wanted to create an atmosphere in which local families can come out and have a great time. I set my heart on originating space for local entrepreneurs to be able to get their business out in front of the community. We are a vendor market that is best known for our shopping and food trucks. Vendors come out from all over the Houston area to sell their handmade goods or promote their local service companies. We host a variety of food trucks to satisfy any food craving and have tables and space for you to shop, eat and enjoy local.

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

My first ever vendor market I did was a complete bust. I am talking MAYBE fifty people showed up for the eight hours that we were out there in the sun. I had printed flyers and passed them out to anyone who would take them out of my hands. I was giving out flyers to people in the grocery store line, drive thru employees, friends, family, going mailbox to mailbox posting posters on them. I canvassed my area so hard that I was almost too positive about the attendance at my first event. On social media I had over 500 people RSVP to this event and was so excited to have my vendors make a lot of money and for everyone to have a good time. Fast forward to the week of the event, there was rain projected in the forecast during market times. I had to cancel the market and postpone it back a week. At that point, I figured I would still have a high attendance and everyone would still come. With a combination of weather and lack of brand recognition when I was finally able to host my first ever market…no one showed up. My father in law bought something from all 22 vendors just so that they could say that they made at least one sale at The Corner Cravings. I had people coming up to me saying “you had a good run” or “this was a good idea but maybe not for you” and trying to be comforting but also telling me to give up and that this was never going to work. Despite all of the setbacks, I hosted another one and had around 100 or so people show up. Then I hosted more and more, learned from the mistakes of the previous markets and continued to expand my audience and attendance. Whenever I failed, instead of listening to everyone else and the negative thoughts in my own head…I drowned that out and kept going. My greatest advice would be that no matter your setbacks, keep going. Persistence always overcomes resistance.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a brand on social media can seem extremely daunting especially in the beginning stages. Before you even start posting, make sure that you have user handles for every social media platform that you want to use. Then you need to have your logo already made and know what your mission statement is, the values of your company and what does your brand stand for. Once you “know” who you are, then you can come out strong and begin to post on social media. What has worked best for me is putting a story behind my brand. Yes, I am a vendor market but the story is providing for local business owners and putting profits back into our local community. If you can sell people on who you are, the rest of it will always fall into place. Staying consistent on posting throughout the week is also a key factor for algorithm. That task alone can seem overwhelming but there are apps that you can download that will help schedule out your content automatically. Keep your audience engaged with DIY tips, behind the scenes, product shots, personal selfies, fun pictures and memes. The general public has become very educated on when someone is trying to sell something and often scroll past if you are not more engaging or personal in your posts. Being yourself is the most unique and wonderful thing you can offer, work with what you have!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheCornerCravings.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheCornerCravings
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheCornerCravings
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jojotrumbly/