We recently connected with Nicole Liveoak and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Back in 2019, I was scrolling through Facebook Marketplace when I came across a listing for a macrame plant hanger. It sparked something in me, and I thought, “Hey, I could do that!” So I hopped onto Amazon, got some affordable macrame cord, and dove into tutorials to learn the basic knots. From there, things took off. In November 2019, with the support and encouragement of my friend Tariana, I turned my macrame hobby into a business. It wasn’t something I had planned, but Tariana saw my talent before I did and suggested I open a business. She even helped me set up an Instagram account and took product photos for me. Can you believe she even bought my very first wall hanging before I finished making it? Her belief in me is what pushed me to take that leap and start my business.

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?

Hello love! I’m Nicole Liveoak, the proud owner of Woven Oak Design. We specialize in handmade macrame products, ranging from keychains to beautiful wall hangings. My passion for macrame sparked in the fall of 2019, and since then, I’ve been creating macrame pieces for your keys, car, and home! But let me tell you, my disco ball products have been quite popular. People really seem to love the disco ball hangers, rearview mirror disco ball hangers, and disco ball keychains. Woven Oak Design recently celebrated its four-year anniversary in November, and I’m so grateful for the support. I’m excited to see what this next year holds for my small business. It’s going to be an amazing journey!

Have you ever had to pivot?

After three years of running my small business, I was ready to throw in the towel. I wasn’t seeing any growth, and my passion for macrame was fading fast. Financially, I was barely breaking even if at all. It was a tough decision, but I had to choose between changing my approach or giving up altogether. Thankfully, my friends and family encouraged me to keep going. That’s when I decided to try in-person events like markets and pop-ups. And boy, am I glad I did! Finally, I started making sales and achieving the goals I had set for myself. It was a game-changer for my business. The love and support I received at these events were incredible. Connecting with customers face to face gave me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward. I’m so grateful for that experience, and it has truly shaped the future of my small business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’m a huge believer in ‘be your brand.’ It’s so important to let your audience and customers know the face behind the brand. When people shop with a small business, they’re not just making a purchase. They’re directly impacting someone’s life and supporting their community. That’s why I think it’s crucial to let your customers know the impact they’re making. Personally, I feel that by sharing my story and letting my customers know that they’re supporting me and my daughter, it helps set me and my brand apart. Being authentic attracts the right customer base for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: wovenoakdesign.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wovenoakdesign?igsh=MWw3bXN4aDBobDFqag==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WovenOakDesign?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
KTJohnson Photography