We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Montano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you manage your own social media?
I manage my own Facebook and Instagram pages. I’m new to this so I don’t have the funds or resources to hire anyone at the moment. It can be challenging to have to do it all by yourself but just know your reward is waiting for you. I have had great results with just these two platforms.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
When I began making badge reels, I never imagined it turning into a small business. It was something that I was doing for fun. My youngest daughter started her own small business and that is what made me consider starting my own. I wanted to do something that no one was doing in my area. I wanted to bring something fresh and creative to catch people’s attention.
Interchangeable badge reels and lanyards are our specialty’s. Interchangeable meaning the tops are attached by Velcro so the customer can swap them out with other toppers. We create many variations that coincide with the holiday seasons or line of work.
We also create keychains, bag tags, pens and cups. We like to have a variety for the customers.
Balancing roles as a mother and businesswoman can be demanding. I currently work full-time with a company I have been with for over 12 years and have two children who are involved in extracurricular activities. In the evenings and weekends, I work on my small business. It’s not easy having to learn how to balance my work life with my social life and still have time to sit back and relax.
I’m very proud of how far I have come in one year. I have my creations in a local boutique and a gift shop. I have made many new connections and friends!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Signing up for craft shows! I was fortunate enough to have met a small business owner who also hosts vendor fairs. She brings a variety of small businesses together for two big shows, advertises for us and has even created a messaging group for us to share of other upcoming events who are looking for vendors. I love meeting my customers and having a one on one relationship with them.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
I have a vendor that creates the acrylics I use for my badge reels and lanyards. I follow them on Facebook and keep up with their newest designs. I also follow them on YouTube. They give excellent tutorials for beginners. They have a super fast turnaround period on orders. This is very important because there are times we have a special request and need an acrylic fast!
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