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

Mandy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Replica Surfaces came about in an unexpected way–as most worthwhile things do! I was working as a resident physician and looking up to doctors who would soon be my colleagues, and I realized that many were unhappy in their careers. I quickly realized I needed to develop a side income stream so that I could take a job I enjoyed rather than settle for one that paid enough to cover my massive student loans.

At the same time, a close friend of mine owned an e-commerce business and inspired me to create my own product.

I wanted to come up with something useful and one-of-a-kind. After going back and forth to the drawing board, I created a specialized box opener for shipping boxes – random, I know! In the process of trying to photograph my prototype, I struggled with poor lighting and unflattering countertops. I tried my best to find an affordable, easily accessible photo backdrop, and I simply couldn’t find anything!

There was not an accessible or simple solution for my photography needs, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one experiencing this issue…That’s when the idea sparked for Replica Surfaces.

Starting an e-commerce company was definitely intimidating at first, but knowing that a friend was succeeding in e-commerce demystified the process. My friend was talented, but I am too! It showed me that if he could find success in e-commerce, I could too!

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

Before launching Replica Surfaces in 2018, I was a Canadian television actor before going to medical school and becoming a physician. I know that’s an unusual back story! I had zero photography experience before starting Replica, which has really helped me relate to our customers, many of whom are small business owners with minimal photography experience.

Replica started with a handful of curated photography Surfaces and our “Stands” which connect any two Surfaces to create a wall/table effect. Since then, we’ve expanded our collection of Surface designs and introduced a brand new product called the “Replica Studio.” The Studio is a custom mobile platform that users can roll to wherever the natural light is best. It’s also height adjustable, so you never have to bend over to get eye level photos. The Studio is a dedicated photography space for anyone without a professional studio.

What makes Replica stand out isn’t just our quality and design innovation, it’s everything our customers don’t pay for. From day 1, we’ve focused on creating high-quality photography education – I think I’ve made around 40 YouTube videos on styling, lighting, and shooting. We’ve also built an incredible Community of business owners, creators, and photographers that support each other and help each other learn.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the Studio. I worked very hard to create something that makes in-home photography the easiest it’s ever been. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from our customers that we succeeded – they often use words like “game changing” and “life changing” and that gives me goosebumps!

The other thing I’m most proud of is our Facebook VIP Community. It’s the most positive and supportive group I’ve ever been part of, and it’s energizing to follow along on our members’ small business journeys and raise them up.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The whole idea of Replica Surfaces was a product of two big life and career pivots!

First, there was the pivot from box opener to Replica Surfaces. It was unexpected but when I found out that there was no other product like Replica Surfaces out there, I decided to run with it. It’s a product that is more unique to the marketplace than the box opener–one that was really going to fulfill a need and help other small business owners achieve their goals.

Then, after years of schooling and training, I pivoted away from my career as a medical doctor. Not an easy decision, but it was the right one. Replica was gaining traction and I was really enjoying running it. Pivots feel scary at first, but they’re less risky than you think. If you ever regret your pivot decision, you can always go back. You won’t decide to go back, but you can!

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

I like to look at Replica Surfaces as a community first and product second. When we first started as a brand, and still to this day, we reach out and welcome each new follower on social media with a personalized message. That’s a small touchpoint we create to make people feel welcome to the Replica Surfaces community whether or not they own one of our products.

Our Facebook VIP group has grown to over 13,000 small business owners, hobbyists and creators that share ideas and wisdom with one another–again, whether or not they own our product! It’s truly amazing to see what the community has become. It’s such a positive and uplifting group to be a part of.

Because I was a self-taught photographer and business owner, I found it most important to share what I’ve learned along the way. My Formula Courses and free educational resources on YouTube and the extensive how-to’s on our website are just a few ways I’ve built the brand’s reputation in the industry.

Lastly, creating a product that people use and love was a no-brainer. The customer reviews speak for themselves and it’s helped our brand’s reputation immensely!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.replicasurfaces.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/replicasurfaces/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/replicasurfaces/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKpzeYmlsXeCHSHkYmXvOA

Image Credits
Replica Surfaces