We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Taylor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

The kindest thing that someone has ever done for me has actually been done by a group of people and that would be my family, friends, and followers of my brand. They have been supported since day one and have never given up on me even when at times I had given up on myself. On April 12th, 2023 I had the grand opening for my first brick and mortar store and the out pouring of love and support and people that flew in to share the experience with me was the biggest act of kindness I have ever been bestowed.

Lauren, 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?

Three Black Cats came to fruition last summer during Covid. It was my mission to find a way to bring some joy not only back into my life, but into the lives of others and those around me that were finding it difficult to smile while our country was going through a terrible pandemic and political challenges.

There’s a saying out there that if you weren’t laughing you’d be crying and that couldn’t be more fitting for how I got my start.

I decided to reopen an Etsy shop that I had had years ago and start a new brand that would be built around the idea of bringing some laughter, joy, and a creative outlet back into my everyday routine. The brand showcases my colorful personality through various products that are diverse enough so that there is a little something for everyone. I brought the snark and the sweet and found my people. And found myself again in the process.

When you run your own small business, not everyday is a smooth road and everyday has come with its new set of challenges. Some days the simplest of tasks can become the ones that have you the most on edge. Late shipments, international shipping, damages, the product fails, feeling too old to understand social media, clumsiness, working multiple jobs at all times… I could go on and on with some of the obstacles that we face daily, but I always try to look at any obstacle/challenge as an opportunity to do better.

And that is what I have learned to do. The biggest opportunity currently is how much we have grown in the past year. We just celebrated 10k sales this year and it still seems surreal. I can still remember the early days of being shocked just to get one order a week and now they come in daily. I am so grateful for the loyal following that we have-“our cult” as some will refer to themselves as on our Facebook or Instagram pages. I truly could not have done all of this without them.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I did eventually and recently leave my corporate career to pursue this dream of mine that is Three Black Cats. It was a very difficult decision, but one that I know was correct. I have never been happier in my life and more motivated to wake up in the morning and get going than I have been working for myself for my life’s passion. I grew quickly and intensley online to the point that I was hiring people to work with me out of my home and out grew that space very fast. I had to find a location for me to be able to run my production with multiple people which put me on the hunt for a commercial property. In February I found the perfect space that would allow for me to have production in the back and open a retail store in the front. On April 12th, 2023 I had the grand opening for my first brick & mortar store. The amount of love and support I have received from the community has been incredible.
I am overjoyed and excited to see what the future has to hold for the store.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’m surrounded by a strong community of other women run small businesses and we energize each other with our daily snarky banter and support each other when we need it. I have built more than just a shop/brand, I started a community of sincere, strong, edgy- sometimes profane and incredibly talented people who we want to bring some laughter and joy to whenever we can. They alone have built the reputation that I have today in the market place. Find your people and hold them close.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.threeblackcats.net
• Instagram: @_three_black_cats
• Facebook: @3blackcatz
• Twitter: @the3blackcats
• Other: www.threeblackcats.net https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThreeBlackCats