Meet Shawna Dalton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawna Dalton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawna below.

Shawna , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Ever since I was seven years old, dreaming up designs and sketching in the margins of my notebooks, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. That dream propelled me to earn a BFA in fashion, where I honed my skills and eventually built not only multimillion-dollar brands but also my very own children’s wear line, Twirls and Twigs. For over a decade, my brand dressed the next generation in whimsical, eco-friendly styles that were adored from Barneys to boutiques.

However, life has its turns, and after ten fruitful years, I closed my business, taking time to explore new paths and redefine my purpose. The world shifted too, especially during the COVID era, reshaping how we connect and appreciate our communities. It was during this time of reflection and change that a new vision began to take shape. Why not transform Twirls and Twigs, a brand rooted in joy and sustainability, into something new yet familiar? Why not a gift store?

Reimagining my brand led to the birth of Twirls + Twigs the gift store, a place dedicated to the art of giving gratitude. Our motto, “Twirls + Twigs Give Gratitude,” isn’t just a tagline; it’s the essence of our mission. We curate gifts that are more than items—they are tokens of appreciation, joy, and connection. This store is my new chapter, a space where gratitude is both given and received, where every gift carries the promise of bringing people closer in a world that’s learning to cherish every moment of togetherness again.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As the founder and curator of Twirls + Twigs, my passion is weaving together the stories of innovative entrepreneurs and their creations, bringing these narratives to life within the walls of our boutique. My role extends beyond being a retailer—I am a storyteller at heart, dedicated to uncovering and sharing the magic behind each brand we feature.What sets Twirls + Twigs apart is not just the products we offer but the stories they carry. Take, for instance, Golden Gems, a brand founded by two sisters from St. Louis, Missouri. They design bold, spirited items that speak to the baddie in all of us. Discovering their work was like uncovering a piece of my own story—a reminder of my Valley girl roots and how these roots are intertwined with the identity of my store. My travels, which take me across the country 2-3 times a year, are not merely buying trips; they are expeditions to meet the minds behind the brands. These journeys allow me to handpick products from entrepreneurs who are not just making things, but making things happen. Our store is stocked with exclusive items, like our custom “Bitch, please, I’m from the Valley” mugs and Valley Village totes, crafted by these incredible business owners.

Having recently moved into a larger space, Twirls + Twigs is poised to become a community cornerstone. This expansion allows us to offer workshops that enable our community to engage directly with the stories behind our products and the entrepreneurs who make them. Additionally, our “Third Thursdays” initiative is quickly becoming a beloved neighborhood tradition, offering a night out filled with discovery, connection, and the celebration of our collective creativity. At Twirls + Twigs, the magic lies not just in what we sell, but in how we tell the story of each item. By connecting our customers with the narratives of daring, creativity, and passion behind our products, we do more than sell gifts—we foster a community of appreciation and inspiration.

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?

Reflecting on my journey from a young, aspiring designer to the founder of Twirls + Twigs, three key qualities have been pivotal: perseverance, strategic planning, and courage. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I learned early that true success is the result of investing not just capital, but time and passion into your dreams. It’s about dedication over nights, months, and years—not expecting immediate results, but building steadily towards a vision.

Perseverance: My first lesson in perseverance came from watching my parents tirelessly work towards their goals. Success in any venture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a series of small, often uncelebrated steps towards a larger goal. For those early in their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is to set realistic milestones and celebrate small victories. This keeps your momentum going even when the path gets tough.Strategic Planning: As I ventured into my own business, I learned the critical importance of doing thorough research. Whether it’s understanding your market, knowing your customer, or planning financials, being informed is key. I always run the numbers to see what daily efforts are needed to make the business viable and explore the best strategies to achieve these goals. For newcomers, I recommend immersing yourselves in learning as much as possible about your field. Attend workshops, read extensively, and engage with mentors. Knowledge is not just power; it’s profit.Courage: Finally, the leap from designer to retailer required immense courage. Trusting your instincts is crucial because, at times, they are your best guide through uncertainty. When venturing into something new, be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. For those starting out, remember that fear of failure often prevents great success. Encourage yourself to experiment and learn from each experience, regardless of the outcome.

In essence, nurture these qualities by consistently applying them to your daily activities. Connect with other entrepreneurs, seek feedback, and be adaptable. Diving deeper into the essence of strategic thinking and community engagement is what defines my entrepreneurial spirit, I have always been proactive about seeking connections that foster mutual growth. My commitment extends beyond just running Twirls + Twigs; it’s about being an integral part of the broader business community, especially supporting and mentoring fellow women entrepreneurs. On the practical side of running a business,Strategic financial planning is a cornerstone of my approach at Twirls + Twigs. I am rigorous in setting and regularly reviewing financial goals to ensure the stability and growth of the business.Each year, I craft a broad vision for the store, which is broken down into actionable monthly sales goals, a meticulously calculated buying budget, and a detailed plan outlining the daily steps needed to meet these targets. I outline clear targets, which are reassessed monthly to ensure alignment with our overarching objectives. This diligent balance between aspiration and realism allows us to plan effectively and respond adaptively to the dynamic retail environment.

Recognizing that growth often requires external insights, I actively seek mentorship and am not hesitant to ask for help when needed. This openness to learning and adaptation is vital. Furthermore, the unwavering support from my husband has been instrumental in this journey. His encouragement and perspective have often helped steer the store through challenges, underscoring the importance of having a strong support system when navigating the waters of entrepreneurship. By integrating —perseverance, strategic planning, and courage—I ensure that Twirls + Twigs not only survives but thrives, embodying a business model that is both visionary and grounded, innovative yet practical.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One transformative book in my journey has been “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, who was not just an author I admired but also a mentor as I was developing my Twirls and Twigs brand. Her teachings continue to deeply influence both my personal growth and the ethos of my boutique.

Here are a few key nuggets of wisdom from the book that have been especially valuable:

Gratitude: The Gateway Drug to Awesome: Jen teaches that neglecting gratitude cuts you off from the supply of awesomeness. This insight inspired my “give gratitude” mindset, now a cornerstone of my life and business, emphasizing how gratitude transforms everyday experiences into a source of joy.

Fear is for Suckers – Flip the Fear: The book encourages viewing fear from a different angle—breaking it down and finding your way through it. This method has been crucial in transforming business uncertainties into opportunities, allowing me to embrace challenges with resilience and creativity.

Love Yourself Ultimately: Jen emphasizes that loving yourself is the holy grail of happiness. She advocates for recognizing that love is a verb, suggesting that self-love requires active effort. This principle has inspired me to practice daily positive affirmations, helping to build a foundation of self-appreciation and positivity. It’s a powerful method to continually nurture self-love, reinforcing the belief that loving yourself is a deliberate act that underpins a joyful life.

These principles from Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” inspire my daily operations at Twirls and Twigs and continuously shape my personal philosophy. The book serves as a constant reminder to flip the script on fear, transforming it into a catalyst for growth and innovation. It also reinforces the importance of gratitude, encouraging me to approach each day with a thankful heart, which in turn enriches every interaction and decision in my boutique. This is why items like the “You Are a Badass” talking button are so integral to my store’s inventory—each piece is a daily nudge for myself and my customers to embrace our inner badass and live with gratitude and courage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.twirlsandtwigs.com
• Instagram: @twirlsandtwigs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twirlsandtwigs/

Image Credits

Julian Quinzon- all photos
Blonde – Olivia Dalton
light brown hair Riley Valento