Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary Voelker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems from the love and guidance of my parents. Growing up as one of four children, it’s safe to say that my parents were always busy. My dad worked long days, but his early mornings and late nights didn’t deter him from making our lunches, coaching our sports teams, or organizing a kickball game in the backyard. My mom’s involvement in various non-profits not only showcased her work ethic but also instilled in us the values of community and compassion. Watching her devote herself to these causes, recently receiving recognition for her efforts, left an indelible mark on my sense of responsibility.
As we entered our early teens our parents encouraged us to take on small jobs like babysitting or lawn mowing, However, once we turned 16, the expectation shifted towards securing jobs that would accommodate our school commitments, weaving into afternoons and weekends. Throughout high school and college, I did everything from nanny to bagging groceries to driving a snowcone truck. These diverse experiences cultivated a fearlessness towards novel or unique endeavors and set the stage for my current journey into entrepreneurship. Their unwavering support and lessons on the value of hard work have shaped my path as a professional and small business owner today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the proud owner of Addy & Olive, where we specialize in crafting stylish and versatile hands-free dog walking bags. What dog owners love about our product and what really sets us apart from other dog walking bags on the market is that you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for functionality. While this is a dog walking bag with things like a poo bag dispenser and a treat pocket, it was created to be a fashion accessory as well.
However, our mission extends far beyond creating amazing products – the community values taught by my parents are deeply ingrained in our brand’s DNA. Our bags are lovingly handmade by talented refugees and artisans at The Sewing Training Academy in Nashville, supporting them in learning valuable skills and creating a brighter future. So when you choose Addy & Olive, you’re not just getting a high-quality dog-walking bag, you’re joining a community of dog lovers who value style, functionality, and making a positive impact.
As for what’s new, we’re continuously exploring ways to enhance the dog walking experience through innovative designs and thoughtful accessories. We recently launched new dog water bottles and hope to launch a few new strap patterns this fall/winter.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been pivotal are resilience, adaptability, and empathy. The entrepreneurial path can be filled with unexpected twists, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks has been crucial. Adapting to changing circumstances and learning from them has allowed me to grow and evolve.
For those embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, I’d encourage them to embrace failures as learning opportunities, stay open to new ideas and approaches, and take time to understand their audience’s needs and concerns to form meaningful connections. Cultivate these traits through continuous learning, seeking mentors, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
At present, my primary hurdle involves establishing a successful wholesale channel for my products in local stores. Engaging potential partners and finding the perfect fit has proven to be a challenge. To address this, I’ve been refining my outreach strategy, ensuring my communication is personalized and compelling. I’m focusing on building authentic relationships within the local business community, attending networking events, and leveraging any mutual connections to facilitate introductions.
If you’re a storeowner reading this or know someone who owns a store, and you believe our products could align well with your community, let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: addyandolive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addyandolive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addyandolive
