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

Hi Katrina , thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

My company has been on my heart and mind for a decade. As a child, I was surrounded by everyday people that had businesses. At the time, I didn’t understand the extent of how important the foundational aspects of business were developed. My first job was at 14 years old. I worked as a shampoo assistant at Bobby’s Hair Styles in Columbus, GA. During this time, I realized a lot of my internal gifts that I was unaware of prior to me working for Bobby. He was hardworking, a great teacher and allowed me to blossom in my own way. I remember when I was about 10 years old my aunt asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My Response was my ideas for a beauty business that I had planned out. Till this day, I still have plans on executing my business plan later but its still on my heart. I’ve always had a mind to create new avenues for something I either cared about or saw as a problem. I thrive off of coming up with solutions and being able to be creative.

When I was preparing to Launch 365 Decor, my ideas were all over the place. The first step in my process of having an idea is to write it down! It doesn’t have to be developed, be an excellent idea, or even a now idea but I write it all down. I have created something that I call my “Think Tank ” and this is just the first step to come out of my head and to visualize it on paper.
I give myself a lot of grace during this process. I let the ideas sit as long as needed and I’m open and honest about if they can transition to the execution phase. It took me some time to develop patience during this process. I also saw a difference in the profit margins for items that I had strategized and items that simply just felt good without a plan.

When I was a student at Georgia State University, I studied Psychology. I was intrigued by the human mind and I gained an understanding for how important your thoughts are in your mind. On a daily basis, our brain develops about 70,000 thoughts. These thoughts are repetitive, undeveloped and scattered in our minds. The power of writing your thoughts out gives you the opportunity to actually formulate the idea and move to the execution phase. Ideas really are just your thoughts and the beginning phases of your visions. Execution is the next step and this is the part where strategy goes into full motion.

When I’m ready to move an idea to execution, I plan and I set dates to hold myself accountable to the next phase. This process is very important and also the hardest as well. I make sure to see it through and plan out every detail possible. It’s very challenging but every time I set my deadlines and make it to the next step….it makes my process even easier the next go round. The execution phase has also built my confidence in business. When I have an idea in mind and the product is produced…….I feel a sense of pride to see the customer get excited! It’s always confirmation to me that I’m on the right path!

Katrina , 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?

365 Decor was created in July 2020!

Our BRAND is Curated + Created Home Decor with Luxury Lifestyle design. Our candles are made in small batches with perfectly fragrant ingredients to formulate the world’s new favorite candle. Our candles are handcrafted in Georgia with a mixture of passion, art and cultivating new traditions.

The VISION of 365 Decor was created to inspire families to embrace the essence that they create in their homes. Oftentimes, we traditionally appreciate our homes when we have guests, holidays or special occasions. The beautiful connection that scent brings to the human body plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, and in the way you create your work ethic. A simple addition to your home can change your mood, strengthen your love and create fond memories.

The MISSION is to cultivate an atmosphere wherever you are 365 days out the year. No matter the occasion you can create happiness, intentional joys, small wins and family’s memories without a prompt tradition.

Our PROMISE is to provide our customers with a high quality product that you can enjoy.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is to not stick to a plan that is no longer serving the business.

As a business owner, I always want to be strategic and plan out the details of social media campaigns, pop-up shops, inventory selections, etc. Oftentimes, business will lead you in many different ways and you have to be able to quickly pivot.

I will plan but when I see that there are alternative options that could possibly save time, increase productivity or it just needs to be altered I take advantage of change. In business, adapting has become one of my stronger skill sets. I welcome change with open arms because I went through many trials to understand its strength.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Our story is simple, we want to have a personal connection with our customers. Social media is a platform for us to do so and still introduce new products, meet new people and share details on events.

Our strategy is to engage with our customers and we make that our number one priority. A lot of people have a hard time on social media because they gauge their success based on their following in numbers. What I have embraced is that the numbers will come over time…….but engagement holds longevity.

My advice to anyone looking to build an audience on social media is to stay the course. First step, take the time to learn your audience. Second, plan out your content and use the drafts as your bestie. Lastly, as you start to grow – learn when it’s time to pass the torch to someone else to run your account.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.my365decor.com
• Instagram: @365decor
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/my365decor
• Twitter: @365decor

Image Credits
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