Why did you decide to join The WMarketplace?

I joined WMarketplace because I love the mission and values of this website. I also feel honored to be part of the website with all the lovely businesses that are a part of it.

What has been the most challenging thing about getting your business up and running?

Well I am still mainly a one woman show, so I can not focus on some areas of my business as much as I like.

Can you identify a moment in your business that was pivotal in your success? Have you had an “AHA!” moment(s)?

Probably when I represented the US tea industry in two world tea conferences in China. I was feeling really low and my business was only doing okay. It was great to be in a different environment with other people enamored with tea, and to be spoiled. After that trip, nobody could tell me that I did not know my industry and have me believe it. It is also when my oolong teas started to sell, which made me a very happy person.

Do you have a mentor, formal or informal? What role have they played for you?

I have had a few mentors in my life. The first and probably my most important one to date is my old advisor and teacher in college, Ryan Kauth. He is the one who told me about the Draper Competition that I was a semi-finalist in 2019, about the Babson WIN Cohort, and WBENC. He was the first person to believe in me and he helped build the entrepreneur classes at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.

What communities have been important for you as you grew/developed your business?

Some communities that have helped my business develop and grow are WBENC, WMarketplace, Babson WIN Cohort, Etsy, and my local farmer markets. During COVID I was forced to do online and farmer's markets with Etsy being the best marketplace for me in 2020 and 2021. Although I have only been certified for a year, I have already learned a lot from WBENC and know the connections I will make and the knowledge I have gained will help my business. I have enjoyed being a part of WMarketplace and being part of the gift boxes and being part of a woman centered website.

Do you have items, photos or mementos on your desk that inspire you each day? What are they?

My lanyard from when I represented the US in China because it was a happy time and I needed to go, not just for my business but personally. I also have a silly painted stone with a cute painted cat on it. Not sure why I like it, but I do.

Do you have any advice for other women who are getting started in business?

I think sometimes women are afraid to put their product on the market if it is not perfect. I’m not recommending that you put out a shabby product, but to understand that your product will change as you grow your business. You will learn new things that will make your product or packaging better and that is a good thing.

Is there a non-profit or other social/mission-oriented business that your business supports? Can you tell us about this?

I donate to Pride and Less Prejudice because I like their messaging about getting inclusive school books to young kids. Partially so young LGBTQ+ can feel ok and partially for cisgender people to understand there are people who love differently and that is ok. I am personally cisgender but have many friends from childhood who were/are LGBTQ+ that had a hard time growing up and not feeling included.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your advice and journey with the WMarketplace!