Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Strong.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s coming up on two years ago October that I decided I was going to start my own business. I had ordered a candle making kit one day and hit the ground running with it. At that time, I was an 8th grade Science teacher in Alief and would sell my goods to friends and family. After making candles for about five months, I made the decision that at the end of the school year, I would not be returning. Definitely, an impulsive decision on my part but something inside of me felt like this was the time! Just before the school year ended, I had seen some mobile shops online and thought this is what I needed to take the business to the next level. Go Big or Go Home right?!
Every free moment I had, I stalked Craigslist for the perfect “stepvan” truck. My awesome Dad went and looked at a few while I was at work and then I came upon a bright red, empty tin box that felt like “the one”. This is the day “Stepvan Morrison” came to life. We drove down to pick her up and the guy laughed…”your driving this home”? Yes, of course this is my shop, who else is going to? We have been a pair ever since. It took us about six months to build her out. I definitely tested my wonderful boyfriend’s patience and carpentry skills. He would laugh…what’s next a bathtub? No joke, there were plans of a sink but they were quickly squashed. Having never been on Social media before, I needed to develop my brand and relationships with other makers. The intention for the business was never to only sell candles, I wanted a general store. A place where people could find American made goods from local and other amazing makers from around the U.S.
I was attending markets and met so many amazing people that I feel privileged to call friends today. The added bonus was their amazing products that I got to feature in the shop. The maker community is among the hardest working group of people and you soon become a little family, all trying to pursue our passion and live the American Dream. So fast forward to the present, about a year and a half into the business full time and I feel incredibly grateful that this has become my reality. My family has been the greatest support system throughout this crazy journey and I don’t know where I would be without them! There have been a lot of changes, lots of ups and downs but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!
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?
If someone said owning their own business was a smooth road, I would ask them to write a book and spill all their secrets! I have said to my family on many occasions, if I didn’t have such a thick skin, this would not be the right business for me. There are days when you’re on cloud nine with a successful market, amazing customers and wonder why you didn’t start this sooner?! Then there are other days when your hit from all angles and wonder how you will make it. Hearing “no” is hard for anyone to hear but I’m getting better at accepting that it means ” it just wasn’t meant to be”. Honestly, no matter how rough some days can be, I wouldn’t trade this for anything! There is always a light at the end of the tunnel if you believe there to be. Yes, I watch and read a lot of motivational movies and books!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Madewell Mercantile story. Tell us more about the business.
Madewell Mercantile means just that! Our products are madewell and are sourced from makers that take great pride in their work. I feel privileged to carry other people’s products in the shop. I would say the variety of quality goods you can find is what sets us apart. I wanted the shop to feel like a modern day general store. You can find anything in Stepvan Morrison from our own line of candles, soaps and wax melts to local handmade jewelry, leather goods, hand-dyed markets bags, all-natural cleaning products, apothecary goods and more! We have even had at one time delicious pickles, salsa, and chocolate lining our shelves. The shop is constantly evolving and has changed a lot since its conception. As the business grew, our vision changed. Supporting the U.S economy and makers is still very important but there are makers in other countries that also need the support and acknowledgment for their amazing craftsmanship. Our socially good, ethically made line has beautifully made handwoven baskets, bowls and jewelry made in Rwanda by women’s Co-ops. This has allowed for them to learn a trade to help gain economic independence. Soon we will carry textiles made in India by incredibly talented women. You never know what you’re going to find in Stepvan Morrison!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
If you look up the definition of luck, it means success or failure brought by “chance” rather than through one’s own actions. I don’t know if I believe in luck. I believe that through your actions, you can be brought down a path that can lead to success or failure. Of course, no one wants to intentionally fail but I have learned that the failures have ultimately been the most beneficial learning experience and propelled me to push harder to be successful.
Pricing:
- $6-$8 handmade soap
- $10-$75 Jewelry
- $10.50-$62 Leather Goods
- $15 Candles
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madewellmercantile.com
- Phone: 8326899033
- Email: madewellmercantile@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madewellmercantile/?hl=en
Image Credit:
By Jennifer Strong
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