We recently connected with Stephanie Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The greatest risk I’ve taken in opening this business has been doing so in the midst of significant personal health challenges. Just three months before my lease began, I suffered a heart attack. I decided to move forward with my dream of opening the gift shop. Following that, I battled shingles, COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously, three TIAs (mini-strokes), ischemic colitis, and most recently a DVT (blood clot) in my arm. Despite these overwhelming obstacles the last 2 years, I took a risk and chance on myself. That feeling that life is too short and a need to live out this self fulfilling prophecy.
This decision required a leap of faith, trusting in my resilience and the support of my family and community. The risk was not just financial but deeply personal, as my health and well-being were on the line. However, my passion for creating a joyful, intentional gifting space and supporting other small businesses kept me motivated. This journey has taught me that taking risks, even in the face of adversity, can lead to profound growth and fulfillment.
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?
I own a small gift shop dedicated to creating a fun and loving space where people can find intention and joy in gifting. My journey into this industry started from a passion for thoughtful presents and a desire to support other small businesses.
At my shop, we specialize in curating unique gift boxes, baskets, and finishing touches that add a personal feel to every present. I work closely with other local businesses to bring their amazing products into our store, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work without the overhead of maintaining their own storefront. This collaboration not only strengthens our community but also ensures a diverse and delightful selection for our customers.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating meaningful gifting experiences. Each product in our store is carefully selected for its quality and the story it tells. I’m most proud of the way our shop fosters a sense of community and shared success. By working together, we help each other grow and provide customers with truly special gifts that they can feel good about giving.
I want potential clients and fans to know that when they shop with us, they are not just buying a product—they are supporting a network of passionate, hardworking small businesses. Our shop is a testament to the power of collaboration and the joy of giving.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Three months before my lease began for my gift shop, I had a heart attack at 34 years old. Since then, I’ve faced a series of severe health challenges, including shingles, COVID-19, the flu simultaneously, three TIAs (mini-strokes), ischemic colitis, and a DVT (blood clot) in my arm. Despite the overwhelming pain and feelings of helplessness, I made a commitment to myself, my family, and the small businesses I support to push through.
Every day, regardless of how difficult it is, I wake up with the determination to improve my business. I think about how my family can support me and the small businesses that depend on my store to showcase their work. There have been days filled with pain and tears, but I continue to rise and move forward, driven by the belief in what we are building together.
This journey has been incredibly challenging, but it has also shown me the strength and resilience within myself. My dedication to my business and the community we’ve created keeps me going, reminding me that even in the face of adversity, we can still strive to achieve our dreams and support one another.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn in business is the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. In the beginning, I thought that seeking assistance meant I wasn’t capable enough or that I might appear less competent.
However, I’ve learned that asking for help is actually a strength. It opens the door to new perspectives, skills, and solutions that I might not have considered on my own. Whether it’s leaning on my family, seeking advice from other small business owners, or collaborating with local artisans, embracing support has been crucial to overcoming challenges and growing my business. This realization has helped me build a stronger, more resilient business community and has shown me the value of working together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Getlocalmerch.com
- Instagram: Localmerchnc
- Facebook: Localmerchnc
