I’m always impressed when I hear about thriving businesses that were started for next to nothing! This week, I’m excited to introduce you to two crafty local mompreneurs, Andrea Miner and Becky Georgiades, who turned their passion for home design and DIY (do-it-yourself) projects into a full-fledged business within two years and pioneered a new trend in Denver of revamping vintage furniture.
Andrea and Becky are two moms of seven kids that started a growing a painted furniture and upholstery business called The Little Black chair out of their garages with just $250 each. Within two short years these ladies grew their business rapidly and gained an incredible cult-like following. They quickly outgrew their garages and today operate a warehouse and retail location in Littleton, CO.
Read on to learn more about Andrea and Becky them and their experience as mompreneurs!
Noelle:
What was your career history prior to becoming a mompreneur?
Andrea:
I was a nanny for six years and I helped my husband grow a business before I became a mom and a mompreneur.
Becky:
After graduating college with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, I worked in retail as a manager of Limited Express and Disney.
Noelle:
Describe your business in one sentence and tell us what make it unique in another.
Andrea:
The Little Black Chair offers unique and elegant décor for your home. Our business is distinct because we offer high-end finishes that are very affordable and reasonably priced, plus we are trend forward and ever changing.
Noelle:
What do you like most about being a mompreneur?
Becky:
I like that my children see that not only am I a mom but I am a business owner too. They also see that it’s ok to take risks in life and it’s ok to fail and experience challenges. Plus, they also observe a strong work ethic.
Noelle:
What’s the toughest part of being a mompreneur?
Andrea:
Work-life balance and setting boundaries.
Noelle Abarelli:
What has been the most difficult part of starting your own business?
Becky:
Work-life balance and taking the leap from working out of our garages to getting a warehouse work space. Going into a larger financial commitment with employees and more monthly expenses to consider and meet. Also, balancing a lot of the minutia you don’t want to do as a business owner but you have to do and learn how to balance it.
Noelle:
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
Andrea:
Don’t be afraid to fail and don’t be afraid to take that leap to go to the next step for your business. Have short-term and long-term achievable goals in mind, set a specific direction for your business, but know that your goals and business direction will fluctuate and you must be able to adapt. Be open-minded and think outside of the box.
The Little Black Chair is located at:
5767 South Rapp Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Visit them online at:
Also note:
The boutique features the super popular, Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan and Annie Sloan Workshops! Learn more here.
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