Spotlight on Mommy -- Hannah Garrison of Wear Your Music

I just love the product from this week's Spotlight on Mommy, Hannah Garrison. She creates beautiful and stylish guitar string jewelry, that both men and women can wear.  Hannah was kind enough to send some samples of her bracelets my way, I have to say they are great.  Now I know what I am going to get those hard to shop for people on my list, as well as those who love music.  Click here to check out Hannah's jewelry collection now, as well as take advantage of some great offers she is running through her online store for the holidays. Then, check back here on Friday, when I review and share more about Hannah's guitar string jewelry.  But, in the meantime, please enjoy my interview with her.

 

Name: Hannah Garrison

Company Name/Product/Service: Wear Your Music

Company Location: Woonsocket, RI

Company Website: www.wearyourmusic.org

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/wearyourmusic

Twitter Handle: @wearyourmusic

Age of Company: 4 years

Favorite Inspirational Quotes:

“A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals insofar as he can.”

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

“All daring and courage, all iron endurance of misfortune-make for a finer, nobler type of manhood.”

“Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life and the duty of life.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

Favorite Book: In Watermelon Sugar by Richard Brautigan

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

I have a 15 month old toddler who is currently avoiding her babysitter by getting a cold during Mommy's busy season.  She likes to "help" pack boxes.  My hobbies--Well I just had my nails done for the first time since I was pregnant.  Does that count?  In all seriousness I truly enjoy long walks on the beach and working my family's historic Main Street Building. And working.  I love my job!

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

I made guitar string bracelets for a while, for friends and family members of musicians on tour.  One day I saw a Craigslist posting looking for interesting things to do with guitar strings.  I responded and within a day I had met Steve, my business partner, and we had hatched a plan.

What is a typical work day like? 

I do whatever has to be done.  Some days that's mopping the studio.  Most of my work involves planning and strategizing how to make our company grow. Product design is a big part of that and a lot of fun!  I spend days at a whiteboard, making lists, figuring our cool sales, doing market research, etc.  A typical day involves a lot of computer and phone! 

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

Certainly running a business is very hard in the first few years---you want to save as much money a possible--- so you end up doing much of the work yourself!  This means wearing a lot of different hats!

What did you do in your past work life?

Mostly jewelry, product design and development. Though there was also that waiting tables period as well as working in special education law. 

What have been some of your major successes?

Getting through each day!  No, seriously, I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love.  I am still under 30 and run an awesome charitable and eco-sensitive business.  AMAZING!

What have been some of your major challenges?

Running a company that gives a lot to charity is hard.  In a good way though.  You have to really cut out all unnecessary spending. Also, a few years in I got pregnant, giving me even more responsibility to juggle. 

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

The fact that I don't have to work for someone else is big.  Even bigger is that I feel that I am making a difference every day. 

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

There is no secret to managing a business and family. It is hard work but so incredibly rewarding. I get the job done and am lucky that my husband is supportive of what I do. We make sure to find time for each other in the day - even if it is just a few minutes - and at this point in my career, I am able to have my baby close by – whether she is with me while I am getting work done during the day or we play together in the evenings. Like anything in life, it is about multitasking and just doing the best you can.  I am open to advice from other young mothers who are juggling a career and family.

What is next for your business?

New colors, bigger artist, and some awesome new partnerships.  Look out!  Wear Your Music is coming

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business? 

To the budding business moms:  Learn all you can about the financial aspects of running a business.  Even if you are just starting out a financial planner can be a REAL asset.  Businesses need time to grow.  And you need to know you can support your family during those times.  Also, think about how childcare will work. Every family is different so don't feel like you have to stick in any mold.  Figure out what works for you!