We recently connected with Shateria Stokes and have shared our conversation below.

Shateria , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

I believe that once you learn how to separate work and family life your business will be successful. Accountability is key. Holding everyone accountable for their role in the business, whatever that role may be, will set you up on a successful path. Communication is very important. Make sure you’re listening and being respectful to the opinion of others. I would love for my children to join my business if it’s something that interests them. One day I’d like for them to take over but they would appreciate it more if they’re along for the journey. My sister is actually co-owner of Halo & Mim so this is a family business. We work very well together, my weaknesses may be her strengths and vice versa. We are already able to identify what our strengths and weaknesses are, that helps us balance each other out. I won’t let her fail, she won’t let me fail, so neither will our business.

Shateria , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Shateria Stokes. I am the owner of Halo & Mim a home decor business. I have always had a passion for creating new things and turning my clients visions into reality. I started by decorating homes and salon suites but later found that I had an eye for putting together beautiful statement pieces that just made whatever space I was creating feel cozy and look marvelous. So that’s exactly what you will find at Halo & Mim, great decor pieces, handmade candles, and exclusive items created to make every room uniquely yours. We even offer interior decorating as a service. Halo & Mim is an extension of me and everything that I am inspired by.

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

I would say the most effective strategy for growing my clientele would be word of mouth. When you are intentional with what you do and you actually listen to what your clients are looking for, your end result will always let you know if you have given a client a wow moment or an I like it moment. When I hear “wow this is amazing” I know that moment will come with a referral. Great costumer service is always key.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

The first set of candles that were sold from Halo & Mim had no labels. The original labels that were made would not stick on the jars we had purchased to make the candles in. We didn’t want to waste the product so we stepped out on faith and end up selling the candles at a pop up shop for another business owned by my sister. We were just starting out and couldn’t even remember the scents of the candles. I had even forgot to bring business cards for the clients to contact us. We opened up a few tops on the candles and the fragrance from the candles had the people sold. Every candle we had that day sold out.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.haloandmim.com
• Instagram: haloandmimhome
• Other: contact me at [email protected]