As the founder and leader of the Indie Business Network, one of the things of which I am most pleased and proud is that IBN serves people from all walks of life who make all kinds of products in all sort of different niches. Each of our members has more creativity in their pinky fingers than most people do in their entire bodies.
This constant exposure to diverse creativity fuels IBN's commitment to serving from the hart to love and embrace people with different perspectives and experiences. The combination of unique ideas and viewpoints adds value to our lives collectively and as individuals.
As we celebrate Pride Month, our member Dwayne Schock of American Homestead Mercantile in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, sat down with me to share a bit about his life and business experiences, and to reflect on what Pride Month means to him. I'm excited to introduce you to Dwayne, and to share some of his story.
Q: How did you start your business?
A: Dwayne says …
In 2010, after dreaming about it for a long time, I opened an antiques and gift shop in Maine, where I also sold my artwork. I closed it after about eight months because the town did not have enough traffic to sustain it. While the town could not support my store, I noticed that candles always sold, even with minimal traffic.
I have always been a candle lover, so after returning home to Ohio and my previous employment, I started experimenting with candle making. I eventually found a combination I liked and started selling my candles at shows here and there. At the time, I was working ini the retail management arena, and took weekends off from time to time to sell at shows where my products were always well received. In 2018, I decided to take the leap and see if I could make it my full time gig.
Q: What are some of the exciting things happening in your business these days?
A: Dwayne says …
The most exciting thing for me is feeling confident enough in the success of the business that I can focus this summer on building up inventory for the fall. During my first year in business, I did anything I could just to get to the product out there.
Every weekend I would set up somewhere. Last year, I wasn't sure what the future would hold with the pandemic. After managing my way through it, I feel secure enough to produce ample inventory for the Fall and Holiday shows so that I am not running out from one show to the next.
Q: How do you sell your products? Wholesale? Online retail? Pop-ups? Markets? Other?
A: Dwayne says …
After starting off selling at pop-up markets, I began to establish some wholesale accounts. Today, my products are sold in a wholesale warehouse and a local retail store. With time, I a have become more selective about which markets and shows I do. I also sell online at my website, and I need to do more to drive that piece of the business.
Q: What are some of your biggest entrepreneurial challenges as a member of the LGBTQ community, and how are you overcoming them?
A: Dwayne says …
I think the biggest challenge for me is overcoming the self-doubt, just doubting my own capabilities. Of course, this is challenge is not exclusive to the LGBTQ community, but I definitely feel like its something we struggle with.
When I was growing up, gay people were made to feel “less than” and that's a feeling you don't shake easily. I encourage myself frequently and remind myself of what I have accomplished so far.
Q: What books and resources have helped you stay the course, both in business and in life?
A: Dwayne says …
The biggest helpful resource has been fellow vendors. I have built some great relationships with other vendors, and we are always giving each other input on various areas of our businesses.
Q: What is your favorite social media outlet to use for your business, and why?
A: Dwayne says …
I primarily only use our Facebook Page. Just a habit I fell into that I know I need to break.
Q: What does Pride Month mean to you, personally and professionally?
A: Dwayne says …
For me, Pride Month means not being afraid to be myself anymore. It means not feeling like I am “less than.”
Q: How are you celebrating Pride Month this year?
A: Dwayne says …
Most parades have been cancelled, so I will keep it pretty low key and meet some friends for drinks.
Q: What advice and words of encouragement can you offer to other entrepreneurs, particularly those in the LGBTQ community?
A: Dwayne says …
You have to believe in yourself.
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. All that matters is what you tell yourself.
Unfortunately it's a challenge to not allow others' voices to influence our internal voice. We are all human, and have self-doubt at one time or another.
You have to retrain yourself to think differently about what you are capable of. In order to be successful you must be diligent. Success doesn't happen overnight. Don't be afraid to try new things or learn new skills.
Q: Where can we go to follow you online?
A: Dwayne says …
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, visit our website.
Q: I did just visited your site, Dwayne, and snagged some candles!
I purchased several candles from your Bakery Collection: Cinnamon Butter, Banana Nut Bread, Spice Cake and Cookie Jar for one of my dearest friends. I'll let you know how she likes them!
Questions for discussion and sharing
Do Dwayne's experiences resonate with you? What do you think about his advice that all that matters is what you tell yourself?
Feel free to comment below, sharing your ideas and feedback.
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