We were lucky to catch up with Shelby Zlotkowski recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shelby, 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?
Having a strong work ethic is something that has been instilled in me from a very young age. Both of my parents have been incredible role models, demonstrating the values of hard work and perseverance.
Looking back, I believe that my work ethic began to really develop at the age of five, when I began competitively riding Morgan horses. My sister and I followed in our moms’ equestrian footsteps and over the last 20+ years have competed at the national level in the Western Pleasure division.
Our mom, Linda has an “always earned, never given” mindset when it comes to equestrian activities meaning that we were responsible for all aspects of our horse’s care. While most kids our age had their horses in professional training, my sister and I competed independently as our own trainers.
The hard-work and attention to detail that is required in the equine industry is something that I have carried on into all other aspects of my life.
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?
I am a proud Ohian, who loves to see and support local small businesses.
With that passion for small business, I proudly own and operate two brick and mortar Artisan Collectives within Northeast Ohio.
Our first retail location, Lohcal, now located in Medina first opened its doors in Wadsworth on Small Business Saturday 2021. The opening of Lohcal brought together a community of over 25 local makers. Our storefront is filled with locally handcrafted goods, all items are high quality, unique and made right here in Ohio.
In 2023 we were given the opportunity to add a second location to our family, by taking over an existing business called The Corner, located in Shaker Heights. I had been a vendor at The Corner for the last two years, and I am so proud to continue empowering entrepreneurs within the Shaker community.
The Corner is a unique place, because most days you will find one of our artists hosting at the store; this staffing model allows our customers to interact with the makers directly, which we all enjoy!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that I think have been the most impactful in my journey are perseverance, resilience and tenacity. Entrepreneurship is not an easy journey, you experience the highest highs and the lowest lows but I have found that the community you surround yourself with plays an important role in how you overcome any adversity.
The best advice I have for folks who are early in their journey is to be a sponge. Ask questions, even if you’re afraid. Network with like-minded people, find mentors, and don’t forget what inspired you in the first place.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are always looking for collaborations! Whether that be with fellow boutique owners or local artists looking to retail their products in one of our stores, please reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: lohcal.net / thecorneratvanaken.com
Image Credits
Megan Mitchell Creative J. Doyle Photography
