We recently connected with Shannon Motzer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?
Being a single mother I always had to find creative ways to bring more income into the household and that’s where my sewing business began. The sewing business grew and grew and keeping it mobile also kept the expenses at a minimum. However when the pandemic hit that’s when the creativity went into over drive to find a way to continue a the business in some form
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?
During Covid is when I began my current business The Lavender Trail boutique. God provides a way and people to help even in the worst of times. During the Holiday Season of 2020 I received an opportunity to have a small pop-up shop with my business. I took that opportunity without hesitation. All I wanted to do was earn enough to help my family get through the remainder of the pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic and keeping with my sewist/vendor roots The Lavender Trail continues to offer artisans, makers and micro-businesses an outlet to sell their items within the boutique.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Most people would never know that I suffer with severe anxiety. This has been something that I have struggled with my entire life and am still in the process of managing it on a daily basis. I think this stems from not ever feeling good enough and constant people pleasing beginning in my childhood.
Fortunately, having my daughter at 23 gave me a purpose to not let the anxiety take over. I had someone counting on me and there was zero time to waste. She made me try/do things I would have never thought possible, such as: starting my own business.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My most current challenge is trying to expand my customer base in the current economy. This challenge is forcing me to learn and expand my skills in social media. Which I am in dire need.
I want to learn, don’t misunderstand. It’s finding someone that is willing and patient enough to teach me.
When my daughter came home for a visit last year, I received a crash course on Instagram.
I am currently trying to get over the anxiety of being on camera… I’m trying the “fake it, ’till I make it” course.
And, I’m trying to find the humor within all of my videos… I’m learning people like to see others being “human”, making mistakes and trying… It makes us relatable and inspires others to “be scared and do it anyway”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopthelavendertrail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelavendertrail
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopthelavendertrail
Image Credits
Garry Glenn Photography