We recently connected with Tracee Fisher and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tracee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
As an educator I love shopping for my students and being able to find the most interesting engaging and fun learning materials. On April 6th, 2019 I had taken the day off work to meet my husband for lunch. He called and said he would be late, so I told him to meet me at the teachers store. I had time so I went to the local teachers store to pick up treats for my students. When I entered the store the previous owner said I better get all I cam, she was closing in one week! I started picking up items and then it hit me…why not buy this place! I saw my husband pulling up at this time so I started to get my speech ready so he would like my idea…once I explained what I knew to my husband he told me to go on and look around and he would tall to the owner. About thirty minutes later my husband found me in the store and said, ” Happy Birthday! I just bought you a store for your birthday “! And just like that, we entered the world of business ownership. Of course we had never thought about owning a business so we went straight to the internet to get guidance. Once taking over full ownership we had to relocate and reestablish customers in 90 day to be ready to reopen in July for back to school. We were able to to pretty well from July to November…then, the biggest curveball a business owner could get happened…COVID19!
As new business owners we had to figure out who our target audience had become and how to serve them. Homeschooling families and parents of virtual students was the focus. We transitioned to doing deliveries, virtual shopping and curbside pickup so customers still had their needs met.
Three and a half years later we are still here and preparing to grow Chalk N More and become a one stop educational tutoring and educational support store for parents, educators and students!
Tracee, 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?
As an educator with over 20 years experience I have been able to leverage all my experience with Chalk N More. Our focus area are students and parents. We provide materials, support for students with special needs and anyone looking for educational supplies. The biggest thing we want people to know about Chalk N More is that education is not one size. Education comes in many forms and Chalk N More provides the support all students and parents need to ensure students of all ages will be successful!
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Being married for 25 years would have to be one of the foundations Chalk N More was built on. My husband and I met in the Army over 25 years ago and fast forward to today and the business you can easily see why we are still together. I often tell people my husband gives me balance. I jump before I look, my husband looks, steps back, surveys the land and then thinks about jumping! We are blessed to have each other. He and I complete the other. The businesses we own are based on the trust we have for each other and the understanding that no matter what, we are here for each other.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The biggest pivot so far is COVID19. Having to figure it out or completely close due to COVID19 was stressful and challenging. My husband and I beloved whatever God brings you to , He will see you through. Ww had ti think of virtual ways to sustain Chalk N More and because we are not quitters we were able to make it through the pandemic.
Contact Info:
- Website: Chalknmore.com
- Instagram: Chalkinmore
- Facebook: Chalk N More