Meet Amy Powell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Powell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I started Co-Cali Creations after my first year of teaching middle school. I wanted another source of income that was also something I enjoyed. I really found my purpose by learning to sew, learning to market in person and online, and by attending so many fun pop-up events! Not to mention, I love getting to see all the pups in their bandanas!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Co-Cali Creations started out as a hobby of learning to sew and a love for animals. I started my business a few months after adopting my first dog, a rescue dog named Cali and it grew quickly. I love getting to meet so many wonderful people and their pets, along with supporting other small businesses and organizations. We recently launched our new website and hope to be able to give back to animal shelters and rescue organizations in the future!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. It is okay to learn as you go. I have a degree in English, not business or marketing, and there were so many things I did not know when I started this business. It is important to give yourself grace knowing that you are trying something for the first time and that sometimes the best way to learn is through trial and error.
2. Be supportive of others, especially those who are your “competitors”. The small business world looks very different from one small business to another. Some own their businesses for fun while others do it to make a living and provide for their families. No matter the purpose, everyone is trying their best and putting themselves out there. It is important to be a kind person and support others instead of tearing each other down while we all work hard and take risks.
3. Put yourself out there! The first local pop-up event I ever applied to, I was waitlisted. I applied on a whim and didn’t know anything about the event. The day before the event I got an email that I was accepted and I absolutely panicked. I didn’t have enough product ready, no signage, and didn’t even have a table!! But I pulled myself together, made a list of everything I thought I would need (I quickly learned that was not a comprehensive), got my materials, and showed up. I had a blast!! I made a little bit of money and had so much fun talking to other vendors and customers. I was scared to death the morning of that event, but the reward was worth the risk.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I am feeling overwhelmed it helps to see my thoughts on paper. Being a full time teacher, especially to teens and pre-teens, while also running a business can be stressful and there are a lot of things I need to juggle at one time. Go help me, I make a list of tasks I need to do in three categories: personal, school, and business. I can then pick and choose a task from each category, see progress when it is crossed off the list, and know that the other tasks are still on paper and not floating in my head to get lost in my other thoughts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://co-calicreations.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/co.cali.creations?igsh=MXNjMGMyamQ4MDNiZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoCaliCreations?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Amy Powell