We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shemekia Lawrence a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shemekia, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
The most unexpected challenge I’ve encountered is finding great talent. In the window treatment industry, there is an aspect of the job that is sales but it’s mostly design. Creating or enhancing a space using window treatments should be fun. There are also aspects that required meticulous calculation and knowledge. Finding design consultants that have all or most of what this requires has been difficult.
Shemekia, 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?
To the surprise of many, I spent 23 years in the corporate space navigating budgets and financial packages. My corporate career spanned a number of industries managing teams in Finance. I am married and have two children. After working with a franchise business consultant, my husband and I decided the support needed to start and run a successful business could be found in the franchise model. After much prayer and consideration, we decided on window treatments. We are the second franchise to open in the nation and first in Texas. We offer a suite of custom products to dress your windows. We work with fabulous fabricators that offer traditional and faux wood blinds, shutters, shades, drapery and exterior patio shades. I am most proud of the resilience I and those that work alongside me exemplify every day. The most important things I’d like for potential clients to know is that your home or office has the potential to reflect exactly who you are. I would be honored to work with you in making that a reality.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients has come from partnerships I’ve developed through networking.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Since launching my business in June of 2023, I have had to pivot twice and take on the sales role while also running the business. Starting my business was also a major pivot. To go from working for someone else for 20+ years to owning an entire operation is probably the biggest PIVOT ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bumblebeeblinds.com/frisco-tx/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumblebeeblinds.frisco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BumbleBeeBlinds.Frisco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bumble-bee-blinds-of-frisco/posts/?feedView=all
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