Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Martens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a heart for international cultures and a business mindset. The idea of AT THE WELL has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl but I hadn’t quite known how to articulate it. It started to actually seem plausible while I was on the World Race in 2017, immersing in different cultures. I saw so many local businesses and artisans creating remarkable products. Really, this business came out of a desire to help them reach a larger market. I was able to pitch this dream business and then later launch it in 2018 while at G42 Leadership Academy in Spain. I gained incredible mentorship, support, and encouragement there. In 2019, I relocated myself and the business to my hometown of Houston.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. Entrepreneurship has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. It’s stretching and growing, and never-ending. My advice would be to get outside of your own head. Find a mentor, peers, or any relationships that can give you trusted guidance. I’m incredibly lucky to have a very supportive husband who has become a valued part of the business. It’s always better with a team!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into AT THE WELL story. Tell us more about the business.
AT THE WELL (shopatthewell.com) allows customers to shop by country, by cause, or by product. It gives shoppers the unique ability to shop with a purpose – for products that matter to them, without losing quality, and without having to travel. We connect shoppers with small local artisans that otherwise may not have reached them. We currently have products from over 15 countries supporting over ten causes and we only work with artisans/brands who are making a social impact within their community. We believe that we each have the power to make a change with our purchasing decisions.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I think women have a tendency to be more encouraging, empathetic, and supportive. This isn’t always the case but when it is, and we band together, you can truly see power from that. They say comparison is the thief of joy, and that’s so true! If we shifted our focus to lifting each other up instead of pushing each other down, I think we’d all see huge growth. My hope is that AT THE WELL is a direct reflection of that, as we lift artisans up and empower them. This mindset becomes a win-win for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopatthewell.com
- Email: jessica@shopatthewell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopatthewell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopAtTheWell
Image Credit:
Amber Barton (1st photo)
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