We recently connected with Tish Fletcher and have shared our conversation below.
Tish , appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
Some of the most unexpected problems were due to my love for CBD. Although CBD is legal, many social media and marketing avenues such as SMS prohibit ad sales. My first unexpected problem was when I did a soft launch and Shopify held my money. It’s my fault because I opened a Shopify account with a ton of zeal and a lack of knowledge. I wasn’t aware that they prohibit use of their payment processor. Therefore, I had to find a “high risk” payment processor which impacted the sales experience for customers. There were a ton of rules that I wasn’t aware of that could of easily deterred me from continuing. However, CBD changed my life overnight and I wanted to share that with the world. I couldn’t let anything stop me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Severe fibroid pain sent me to the ER one day. That night I tried CBD for the first time and it changed my life. I had heard of it, but didn’t try it because I thought it was illegal and would make me high. So I started researching, buying more products, making products and sharing. From there I wanted to address the stigma surrounding CBD and other cannabinoids and bridge the gap with education.
Two pivotal opportunities impacted my will to keep going. First, Rickey Smiley, a longtime friend, native of Birmingham and public figure, became a customer and supporter. He allowed me to set up at his sold out karaoke night and every one of them since trying my products. Not only that, but Bruce Ayers, the owner of The Stardome is a customer and supporter. Hearing them rave about my products and me as a person gives me indescribable confidence to endure the stigma and marketing hindrances.
Second, the Woodlawn Street Market (WSM) was the first market that I blindly applied to be apart of. I was later invited to try the retail experience and as I volunteered there I realized people had lots of questions. Being a consultant was better than assuming a customer could go to my website and make the best decision. So I prayed and said, if I’m supposed to have a store, let it be this one that I saw in Woodlawn. Over time I found out it was within my budget. Within months of discovering that, I was accepted into the Magic City Match program which helped me create a solid business plan and other foundational skills. Being one of the recipients of $25k, allowed me to open sooner with a greater variety of inventory and support services.
Now that I’m in my space, I’m listening to the needs of the customers and community. I’ve added targeted cryotherapy services since so many of my customers are in pain. Additionally, I’m providing health coaching services as a vast majority of my customers request weight management supplements.
I have a passion for helping people THRIVE! So many of chronic diseases and ailments stem from inflammation. Therefore, I’m determined to alleviate it through supplements and services. I don’t just sell products, I sell solutions. I’ve been in debilitating pain before, I’ve been exhausted, I’ve gained weight, I’ve had a hormone imbalance, and more. So there’s nothing that will stand in the way of mission to help others feel better when I know there’s a way. It’s not uncommon to come in and see me perusing several books with pen and notepad nearby. I’m constantly learning of ways to be of better service to the community.
I am an inflammation detox coach, but I’m really just your friendly neighborhood hope dealer.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Not everyone knows that I pre-launched my business two weeks before my preventative double mastectomy. So during those two weeks of preparation I focused on getting systems in place where customers could order without problems. I even showed my mother how to fulfill orders once she came to take care of me. I was determined to help others no matter what! I wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I’m a “servant leader” and woman of faith so I had to learn when to sell and when to serve. I had to charge my worth! It is perfectly ok and I would even say God’s will that I obtain wealth. After all, the more I have, the more people I can help. Also, I’m naturally an “introvert”. So I don’t seek the spotlight and never want to be seen as “doing too much”. However, those limiting belief systems prevent me from sharing as much as I should. I would assume that people knew what I sold or the services I offered. After all I did post about it a couple of times. LOL
So no more negative B.S. (belief systems)! You deserve EVERY blessing coming your way! Someone somewhere needs your ideas, your products, your services, your smile, your joy, your peace. The marketplace is a ministry. Show up, sell and be a blessing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thrivewellnesslounge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachtish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivewellnesstribe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFAF3bB39WLPVbN0bIX7Pw
- Other: Free Guide to Reduce Inflammation : https://thrivewellnesstribe.sellfy.store/p/eat-to-thrive/