We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeAnna Spoerl. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeAnna below.
DeAnna, so appreciative of you coming on today to talk with us about a topic that is important but rarely talked about – overcoming bankruptcy. Can you talk to us about your story and how you overcame bankruptcy and managed to build a happy, fulfilling and thriving life and career after bankruptcy?
The reality is, we had no choice but to find success. When our (my husband and I) first business went under, we were terrified of what would happen next. But one thing we knew for certain was that we did not want to see our kids suffer from mistakes we made. We gave Bear Icebox our all—working all night and all day, taking risks with prospects and meetings at trade shows all in the hopes of landing new clients.
On an emotional level, my husband and I really leaned on each other. In the moments that could have put a wedge between us, we found that patience and sometimes silence and listening was the key.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The largest part of what I do is build relationships. Whether it’s a new designer or artist, my brand Letty Sparrow is all about getting to know people and their businesses. The community I’m building is intended to introduce local designer brands to new audiences. Further, Letty Sparrow is a marketplace featuring fashion, beauty, accessories and art.
I learned early on in my life that I have a special ability to make people feel good. And so, when I go out and meet new people, it’s really a win-win situation; I feel great meeting new folks and they feel great meeting me too! I think that’s something I truly enjoy with that I do.
In the future, I can see myself digging into personal styling. But not only the outward styling – I like to go much deeper. I have a background also in meditation coaching and so I bring a slightly different approach to my fashion philosophy. In my opinion, people need to feel good in the inside and then the outside doesn’t matter as much!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I have found that honestly, confidence, and compassion are the most important aspects of my journey. We’ve all experience dishonest work or business dealings and those experiences can be hurtful at times. I strive to be as honest as possible–even if it means I have to talk someone OUT of using a service.
As for confidence, I firmly believe that people trust confident people. If you’re ever in a situation and you ask for help in anyway, and the other person shows signs of low confidence, how likely are you to listen and trust them? Going back to point one, honest people have a confidence about them because they don’t have to pretend.
And then compassion–this one is a daily struggle! But having the ability to feel for other people and act in a way that truly comes from a place of care and, again, honesty, takes a very strong person to do. I’ve worked in retail once before and there was a customer who came in and she had a real nasty attitude with me. I knew that it was nothing I did, so I was just patient with her until we got to the register. You see, she had mentioned that she was buying necklaces for her 4 daughters and I had only grabbed 3. I quickly reminded her that I needed to go get the fourth necklace but she stopped me. Turns out, her fourth daughter had recently passed away. I immediately felt overcome with grief for her but more importantly, I was glad that I hadn’t showed her any angst despite her attitude towards me.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
An absolute gem was The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton. The book digs into the human body’s ability to alter itself simply based on belief. It mixes science and faith in a way that challenges everything I ever thought. The reason this book is mentioned in this regard is because there was a time in my life where I lacked the belief I needed to jump into my own business venture. I’ve learned to listen to and trust my own body and my feelings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lettysparrow.com/
- Instagram: @shesneon @lettysparrow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaspoerl/
Image Credits
Dario Durham (i_be_snappin on IG)
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