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

Hi Raven, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

In 2016, I assisted my sister in managing her company, overseeing various tasks such as order processing, customer service, and inventory management alongside my job at a hospital. Although initially hesitant to pursue entrepreneurship, my sister’s encouragement eventually led me to join her full-time at her new venture, The Crayon Case. This experience provided invaluable lessons and inadvertently prepared me to launch my own business, Purrty Dimples, in 2019, initially focusing on T-shirt sales. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the timing of starting my company, as the diverse experiences gained from working with my sister’s company equipped me with the skills necessary for success.

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.

I’m Raven Steward, the proud owner and founder of Purrty Dimples, Hang & Sip LLC, and R.Steward Consultants, hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. My journey into entrepreneurship began with the inspiration I drew from watching my sister’s business thrive. Despite initially doubting my own abilities, I launched Purrty Dimples, now a flourishing hair bonnet company celebrating its upcoming 5th anniversary in May. In 2019, I founded Hang & Sip as a recreational venture, stemming from my passion for exploring local cuisine and engaging with my community. This initinative has blossomed into a beloved annual event, uniting locals and tourists alike in New Orleans. Additionally, in 2023, I established R.Steward Consultants to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and provide Shopify training. What distinguishes me is my hands-on approach, unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, and resilience in the face of challenges. I take pride in my personal growth and perseverance throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

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

When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I never imagined it would reach the heights it has today. Balancing full-time work with my sister and pursuing my education, I initially started my business as a hobby, leveraging the skills I had acquired. However, it quickly gained momentum, fueled by a strong social media presence and personalized engagement with customers. I prioritized keeping my audience informed and involved, serving as the face of my brand. Consistency proved crucial, leading to significant milestones such as selling out my hair bonnets within two hours of their launch and achieving $1 million in sales within the first two years of operation.

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

Following the establishment of my business, it encountered unforeseen success despite the challenges posed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to expectations, this period proved to be incredibly beneficial for my business. With rapid growth, I made the pivotal decision to transition to full-time entrepreneurship, necessitating my resignation from my position with my sister. Concurrently, I managed operations from a modest warehouse, taking a leap of faith and embracing risk as integral components of my entrepreneurial journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.purrtydimples.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purrty.bonnets/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/purrty.bonnets/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/purrty_bonnets?lang=en