Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Shapiro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve always been drawn to the thrill of building businesses from the ground up. My journey has been defined by risk-taking and the pursuit of innovative opportunities. It’s the story of how I transitioned from the fashion world, where I founded Mixology Clothing Company, to the wellness industry with the birth of Mindset Wellness. This was my “choose your Mindset” moment, and I’d like to share my entrepreneurial path with you.
The Rise of Mixology Clothing Company
Mixology Clothing Company started as a simple idea back in 2008. We envisioned a fast-fashion retail empire that would cater to the ever-changing trends and styles in the clothing industry. Fast forward a few years, and Mixology had grown into a thriving brand with 15 locations and a bustling e-commerce platform. Our stores were more than just places to shop; I created all the ‘brands’ we carried. We became the destination for the latest fashion trends, and we had developed a loyal customer base.
The Universe’s Calling
However, as Mixology continued to flourish, I couldn’t ignore a persistent feeling that there was something was missing. I had spent years on doctor’s prescriptions for anxiety bron from childhood traumas. In 2018 I was named retailer of year and I found no joy. I realized that no amount of success would heal me. As then the universe has its ways of guiding me. Just as I was in my most desperate chapter emotionally a trusted employee gave me CBD oil to try. My first reaction was I was anxious and didn’t want cannabis of any kid. Long story short, I tried the oil and I changed my Mindset. It was as if a mental toothache disappeared and suddenly i could think clearly. It was a “Choose your Mindset” moment when I had to decide between the comfort of the known and risk of the unknown. I realized that my passion for making a positive impact on people’s lives extended beyond my fears. It was this inner calling that led me to the world of Mindset Wellness.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Risks
Transitioning to the wellness industry came with its share of obstacles. I had to learn about this new field, discover the best sources for high-quality ingredients, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape. My journey was a testament to the courage and resilience needed to take such a risk and redefine my path.
The Road to Mindset Wellness
Embracing these entrepreneurial risks allowed me to tap into my creativity, determination, and vision in a whole new way. The result was the birth of Mindset Wellness, a brand with a mission to enhance natural mood and well-being through plant-powered products. We focused on empowering individuals on their wellness journeys by offering innovative and high-quality solutions, including CBD-based products.
Choosing this “Mindset” and embarking on a risky entrepreneurial journey has been transformative. Today, Mindset Wellness is a leading brand online, at retail and in the realm of corporate wellness, partnering with renowned organizations such as Warner Music Group, SPARC, the Moma, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
My story is a reminder that embracing calculated risks and following your passion can lead to incredible opportunities. It’s about your mindset and the power of transformation, adaptability, and the courage to redefine oneself in pursuit of a greater purpose.
In conclusion, my journey from the fashion world to the wellness industry is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a story of taking risks, following one’s passion, and positively impacting the lives of individuals through Mindset Wellness. It’s about choosing the right “Mindset” for success and making a meaningful difference in the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I embarked on my career journey at the young age of 19 when I entered the music industry in New York as Jon Saint. Hip-hop was my ultimate passion, and as I collaborated with incredibly talented producers, we crafted a sound that was uniquely our own—a fusion of hip-hop, pop, and rock. Our musical journey took us to legendary venues like CBGBs, and in the early ’90s, we inked a record deal with MCA Records.
Yet, throughout this exhilarating musical adventure, I had a constant companion: anxiety. This relentless force eventually led me to step back from touring. It was during this pivotal moment that my wife, Rene, and I decided to open our very first retail store, “Beautiful Girl.” We made waves by discovering and distributing iconic brand Ed Hardy, transforming them into must-have fashion items in the vibrant New York market.
The recession of 2008 brought about a significant shift in the suburban retail landscape, and I saw an opportunity. This marked the birth of Mixology Clothing Company, the first fast-fashion boutique chain of its kind. The magic of Mixology lay in the brands I personally created. Over the years, we expanded to an impressive 15 locations, all nestled in the thriving suburbs of the Tri-State area.
A decade later, I made a daring decision—to leave behind the empire I’d built with Mixology and venture into uncharted territory with Mindset Wellness. Mindset Wellness represents a paradigm shift in well-being, offering a plant-based mood enhancement system designed to empower you with choices on how you want to feel. Our approach to wellness is tailored and unique, providing you with the tools to select your mood or mindset.
From our plant-powered gummies, patches, and drops to our nourishing pain creams and roll-ons, we offer a comprehensive range of products to enhance your overall well-being and help you find your inner balance. The power to decide how you want to feel is now in your hands. How would you like to feel today? The choice is yours, and Mindset Wellness is here to support you every step of the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in our market was achieved through several key factors. Firstly, our unwavering commitment to product quality and innovation played a significant role. We consistently strive to provide unique, effective, and top-tier wellness products. This approach helped us stand out and gain recognition within our industry.
Secondly, our dedication to customer satisfaction was pivotal. We actively engage with our customers, value their feedback, and make continuous improvements based on their input. By placing their needs and experiences at the forefront of our operations, we earned their trust and loyalty.
Another crucial element in building our reputation was our transparency and authenticity. We have always been open, honest, and upfront with our customers, even when it may not be in our immediate financial interest. This honesty created a strong sense of trust and integrity around our brand.
Lastly, our involvement in various events, pop-up shops, and partnerships with other reputable brands helped us connect with a wider audience. These collaborations allowed us to showcase our products to new and diverse customer segments, further enhancing our market reputation.
In summary, our focus on product excellence, customer-centric approach, transparency, and strategic partnerships all contributed to the establishment and growth of our reputation within our market.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a combination of two key elements: exceptional product quality and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. We focus on creating high-quality, innovative wellness products that truly deliver on their promises. This not only leads to customer satisfaction but also generates positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Additionally, we prioritize building strong relationships with our customers. We actively engage with them, listen to their feedback, and address their needs promptly. This approach not only helps in retaining our existing clientele but also encourages them to recommend our products to friends and family.
Furthermore, our presence at various events, pop-up shops, and partnerships with like-minded brands has allowed us to reach new audiences and expand our client base. In essence, combining product excellence with a customer-centric approach and strategic partnerships has been the winning formula for our clientele growth
Contact Info:
- Website: mindsetwellness.com
- Instagram: @jonsaintshapiro
- Facebook: JonathanSaintShapiro
- Linkedin: jonathansaintshapiro
- Twitter: jonsaintshapiro