327 – It Started with a Brick and Mortar Yarn Shop and a Vision with Shelley Brander of Knit Stars

We've all heard to "do what you love," but how does that work, exactly? Today's guest shares her story of how to follow your passion and succeed. Shelley is the author of Move the Needle, Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. This book has a singular goal: to inspire you to believe that you can pursue your passion and stick to it, even in the face of adversity. The book traces Shelley’s journey from leaving the successful advertising firm she founded with her husband to open a local yarn store. Along the way, Shelley shares stories from her life to show that you can pursue your life's passions - both personal and professional - no matter how quirky or impossible they may seem to everyone around you. Shelley’s Tulsa, Oklahoma-based luxury boutique storefront is the flagship of the Knit Stars/Loops brand. It's also where she hosts her Knit Stars MasterMasterclass Events - the most-attended online knitting festival in the world. How to Follow Your Passion and Succeed Pursue your life's passions. Have realistic expectations and then craft the kind of experience you want to get from owning your business. Stick with things and make things happen. Start small. The tiniest step is the way to go, so take that first step. When you have all the customers in one place, there’s an incredible lift in the energy in the store. Collaborate with other people who have similar audiences to yours. Have different ways to meet people where they are and give people resources for great inspiration and support. Hire sooner and more often. That way, you can take off some tasks on your list and focus more on business growth (hiring doesn't have to mean expensive or full-time). Get mentors in the areas that are not your strength. In business, you want to be away from the red ocean and in the blue ocean. Look for ways to separate yourself uniquely from competitors. You always have to be innovating. Lean into your greatest strength. Create a business that doesn't look like anyone else's business. Find the mission underneath your business. You can have a bigger impact than you think. Do whatever you're doing right now. It can go really big places and make a huge difference in the world. When you land on your mission in life, everything else will be magnetized to you. Tune in to learn more about how to follow your passion and succeed! Resources Mentioned Move the Needle book Remarkable Retail book Gift Biz Unwrapped Search <-- find exactly what you're looking for! Shelley's Contact Links Website | Facebook | Instagram | Instagram Join