Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Stokes
Misty, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I wanted to learn how to make a wreath for my front door. Someone asked to buy my first one and I was shocked. I made another and it was bought. I did lots praying before I decided to turn my hobby into a small business. I prayed that if a small business was route I chose, that I would be able to use it to give back and help others.
After the first year rolled by, we started introducing more products such as 3D prints and fresh spun cotton candy. We are going into our second year and we just upgraded our event booth size from a 10×10 to a 10×20 and have added badge reels and wristlets to our inventory most recently. Last year I took leap of faith and joined the Crafter’s Collage in Athens, TN. There, Miss Tanya Freeman takes our creations and collages them together to make a one of a kind shopping experience. I have been blessed with space at Embrace Beauty Salon in Cleveland, TN for my charm pens, badge reels, keychains, and wristlets. I also have keychains and wristlets available at Intimate Secrets in Cleveland, TN.
We are now able to use our cotton candy booth to help fundraisers locally. We are currently involved with Polk County Drama Club. We set up for their school plays and then donate a portion of our sales to the drama department. We are also involved with Ladies With A Mission in Bradley County. They are a local non profit organization who offers monthly food distribution and clothing closets for free. We were able to use a portion of our November 2024 sales to adopt a child from the Angel Tree with Fresh Start Ministries in Monroe County.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to help others with our business. My husband, Josh, is most always with me for events and does his part in helping my small business thrive. We’ve had such amazing support and been shown so much love. We are excited to see what 2025 brings.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride. In our first year of events, I only made more than my booth fee once. I almost gave up but I prayed. Wreaths alone were not doing well. We added door hangers and tried other seasonal items for kids but couldn’t find the one thing to draw folks in. Once we added cotton candy, we became profitable on a consistent basis. I was always blessed to be able to donate several wreaths along the way to local organizations for fundraising and silent auctions.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work from home as a refund analyst for MedServ/NACS. I love working from home. I especially love working for a Christian based, family owned and operated company.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice to anyone who would like to take that leap of faith with a small business would be to first believe in yourself and your skills. Secondly, surround yourself with those who also believe in you. It’s ok to ask questions even if it’s to those who share your skills. Be open to change, as that is inevitable. Look for ways to add and grow your business and never be afraid to put yourself out there.
Pricing:
- Wreaths are never over $75
- Several $5 or 5-$20 mix and match options
Contact Info:
