We recently connected with Sara Widman and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I believe that having a true heart for people and valuing them as individuals is a key to success. I think it is important not to get so focused on profit and value of self that you lose sight of who the people are who have helped make you the company that you are.
I was reminded of this just last year through a customer whom had been purchasing from me for a couple years as she had gone through fertility . Finally after 2 years, she had a baby girl and sent me a long message about how my hair bows were a constant in her life as she waiting for her little girl. Staying connected with her through the years and maintaining a quality of care atmosphere through her journey Is one of the things that she still shares with the many customers that have become a constant in my business. Not just customers, but people who are valued. I stay to wanting customers to value me as a person as much as I value them.
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?
Yes, I make hair bows. But it goes deeper than that.
My creative art began when I was a little girl. My mother was often I’ll, so I spent lot of time in hospitals with my grandma making hair accessories for the staff and my friends.
When my daughter was born in 2016, I decided to leave my medical background and become a stay at home mom. I noticed that any of the hair accessory shops that I purchased from weren’t very personable , I found that most items were just run-of-the-mill items without a personal connection. This led me to establishing my own shop where women could feel valued and connected to each other and also create custom designed items that are meaningful to them.
My company is really focused on one-of-a-kind items that you cannot just buy from a normal bow shop. We offer hands-crafted clay pieces, custom printed fabrics, and hand made items that aren’t sold by every shop. These pieces keep things unique and valued in a special way.
My company has always continued to grow over the past six years, but in 2020, it really exploded. When stores closed and shopping moved to primarily on line , my shop had a major influx. I have to say that 2020 was my best year for not just profits, but also customer connections. Many of my closest friends have been made through my company and that is my greatest accomplishment.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
True sincerity to my customers along with admitting failures. Too often, business owners do not admit their own missteps. I have always made sure to own up to my mistakes. Honesty is the best policy along with kindness and grace.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
“Always be loyal to your friends”. Of course this is still a staple for me in my personal life; however, when it comes to business, many friends expect you to bend the rules for them. it’s important to Remember: your customers will become your friends quicker than your friends will become your customers. Stay true to your vision and what direction you want your company to go in. Don’t let others influence that for you. You cannot damage your path to appease a friend whom doesn’t understand your worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gracefullymadeforme.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/gracefullymadeforme
- Facebook: @gracefullymadeforme
- Other: Group on Facebook: Gracefully Made for Me VIP