I am Lindsey Cole, owner of Emery Lane. I have been obsessed with all things fashion for as long as I can remember. I know how to put an outfit together like the back of my hand. My husband and I had our first baby in January 2017 and I decided to be a stay at home mom and it is just wonderful. I did feel like I wanted to do something at the side and it had to be something I really enjoyed. I thought about being a rep for clothing but the more I thought about it I decided to just go for it and build my own business, my own brand, my own boutique, and that is what I did with the help of my amazing partner, Morgan Dewaal. We are a team and have created this beautiful business Emery Lane. We are still brand new but we are so blessed and excited for what the future holds for us.
What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
I have been an entrepreneur for a long time now, always looking for ways to make more money at the side. I have an Etsy shop as well selling beautiful canvas decor (cole canvas expression) so that's kind of how I started then I decided to start Emery Lane because I had a leap of faith and figured I need to chase my dreams!
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them as an entrepreneur?
Just that it takes time. I have learned to have patience but work hard. Things just don't happen, you have to work for it. I've also learned that a positive mindset is everything!
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I am still very new in my business so I haven't been able to see the effects of it quite yet. With what I've chosen to do, it hasn't taken away time from my family. I find time to work during nap time or early before anyone is awake because I seriously believe that family is first priority!
What motivates you as an entrepreneur?
Having a positive mind set motivates me. I have to look in the mirror and tell myself I can do it, it's going to be okay, I have what it takes!
How do you generate new ideas when you are working on your projects?
A lot of times it helps to think like the customer. As a boutique shopper, what would I want to see? What would make me want to make a purchase? So a lot of it is knowing your target market! Once you know who your customer is so well you could point them out in a crowd, that to me is what helps generate new ideas for them specifically.
What advice would you give to an upcoming young and old entrepreneur locally and internationally?
I would say to take it one day at a time. Be patient and work hard. Don't expect things to just happen, you have to work for it. Don't let fear get in the way of your dreams- just GO FOR IT!
