Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Brooks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chelsea , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my Great-Great-Grandmother who, during the late turn of the century, had four children as a widowed wife and worked as a pioneering artist in Oregon. She carried herself into fame amongst prominent landholders and politicians at the White House when it was hung by President Roosevelt. Her history has fostered a deep interest in me to provide specialty items for kids to be able to enjoy the outside year-round. My mother was also raised by talented parents as performing musicians and later, partnering in a neighborhood instrument store. She has provided insight as to what it takes to raise children as a small business owner and how to balance the relationship between the two. This strong lineage of women in my family has empowered me with a happy, humble spirit to carry me forward no matter the challenge.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Bridge City Kid is celebrating nine years as an outdoor retail store this March. Our business looks very different than it did when we first started with a brick & mortar. However, my partner and I are now enjoying the success of being online and at events that we attend throughout the year. Our items are sourced within the outdoor industry and are made for reuse. Many of the brands we work with are leading industry standards towards a more positive impact on the environment. Our pricing is affordable, based on current availability and seasonal demand. We donate 10% of online sales to non-profit organizations that are close to our heart. Surfrider Foundation is a favorite non-profit and now a supplemental volunteer position for me as the Vice Chair for the Portland Chapter. As a female business owner, I have experienced all that it takes in retail and business to maintain the best outdoor goods online and among events throughout the year. The vendor schedule starts with Winterfest in Bend, Oregon during Valentine’s Day weekend. We will be exploring new opportunities and continuing to support our community with a great selection of items to encourage outdoor play, no matter what age!
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. Know your retail environment before you get started. Educate yourself about the traditional process and potential risks as a business owner so that you can protect yourself from loss.
2. A merchandising background is necessary for the routine maintenance of your sales floor, website, and/or vendor layout. Continue to rebuild your inventory and create strategies for customers to approach shopping with you in a new way each time.
3. Learn how to be patient and continue to persevere during slow or hard times. Take the time you need for yourself and give what’s left to others as you have capacity for. Don’t waste your time or energy reacting to the uncomfortable moments that find you. Stay in control and always believe in your success over failure.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are looking to connect with makers and manufacturers of best-selling products. These items may be fanny packs, hats, gloves, apparel, toys, and jewelry that is naturally-made in the Pacific Northwest. If you have a product that you would like to try selling at our booth, we can provide that opportunity as well. We hope to partner with Summer music festivals that are family-friendly and interested in a having a great selection of new hats and travel goods!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridgecitykid.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridgecitykid
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bridgecitykid
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-city-kid/
Image Credits
#1 Photo Credit: Mercy Corps Northwest (https://nw.mercycorps.org/blog/bridge-city-kid)
#7 Photo Credit: Chanel Hasson at Surfrider Portland – Media & Communications
#8 Photo Credit: Painting of Mt. Hood by Eliza Barchus
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
