Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scott Mitchell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

In 2015, I quit my corporate job and began working at Travis Jean, an antique shop in downtown Macon. We began to toy with the idea of offering more than just antiques and added gift items. The idea grew into a business model that became Travis Jean Emporium in 2016. I wanted to create a place where artisans and artists could showcase locally made goods that speak to the essence that is Downtown Macon. In 2018, I enrolled in NewTown Macon’s inaugural Entrepreneur’s Academy pitch competition and won. I purchased the business with the help of NewTown Macon’s small business loan program and began my journey as a small business owner.

I have longed to create a safe space in downtown Macon where all people are welcomed and celebrated, but it has not always been easy. In 2020, I added a small section to the back of my shop and called it The Bohemian Den. I was so excited for this new little venture with a footprint of about 300 sf. but soon after its creation, COVID-19 rocked our world. I will never forget the day in March when we closed our doors to customers. I was so scared that I had invested everything I had into a business that was not going to make it. The next day, I went to the shop and started watching YouTube videos on creating websites and online stores. I built a website… a very ugly website, but it worked and my business model shifted.

During COVID my business really struggled but I applied for every loan and grant that was available to small businesses. The community rallied around my business and I survived. The Bohemian Den grew and grew becoming my best business idea to date. I continued to add new fair trade products from around the globe and eventually outgrew the space. I recently moved the business to a new location tripling the size.

Scott, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Travis Jean Emporium was created in 2016 out of a desire to offer an unparalleled retail experience in Macon, Georgia. Over the years, we have shifted our focus to a more sustainable model while defining our goals of being a leader in social justice initiatives in our community. Today, we proudly offer a curated selection of products from around the world and local art from Macon’s most talented artists.

We created The Bohemian Den in January 2020 adding an ever-expanding array of bells and chimes, books, candles, crystals and stones, incense, faire trade jewelry, kantha quilts, singing bowls, smudging wands, soapstone, tarot, totas, and more.

In July 2022, we started renovations on our new location at 502 Cherry Street in the old Newberry Building and began doing business as The Bohemian Den.

The Bohemian Den is proud to give back to the community that so graciously supports us by partnering with local nonprofits to ensure that Macon is a place we are proud to call home. Many of our products give a portion of their proceeds to charities that are working to end discrimination, human trafficking, hunger, and homelessness. We believe that change is not just an idea!

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

Building my reputation in Macon, Georgia did not happen overnight. It started back in 2014 shortly after I moved here when I was selected for Leadership Macon. Through the year-long program, I soon learned just how much my city needed people with passion and drive to create major change. I began joining boards and committees to lend my skill set to these initiatives. Over the years, I have served on, chaired, and even founded many of the nonprofits that are working to make Macon one of the greatest mid-size cities in the United States. I realized early on that my business is a brand, and I am the face of that brand. The work that I do in my community is a direct reflection of the values of my business.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. There is no better advertisement than the trust that I build with my customers. I do this by working in my business every day and training my employees to give the same quality service when I am not there.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebohemianden.com
• Instagram: bohemianden
• Facebook: bohemiandenMacon

Image Credits
Melessa Mims Photography Nancy Bryan