We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trixie Leuck a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Trixie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
This was the easiest part of building our business. Our brand was created by our love filled journey of adoption that brought our daughter into our lives. We named the business after our her. Hello Duchess embodies hope, joy, and the unconditional love that came with welcoming her into our world. The adoption community has touched our lives in such a profound way, so we made it our mission to give back. We hope to spread kindness, awareness and support to all families.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a mama who wears many hats – juggling a full-time gig in the corporate world alongside my passion project. My journey to motherhood wasn’t a straight path; it was marked by hurdles of infertility and a winding road of adoption. But when I finally embraced motherhood, I felt this deep calling to do something meaningful, something that resonated with my creative spirit and allowed me to give back to the community.
And so, Hello Duchess was born out of a desire to fill a gap I saw in the market. I wanted to offer curated, unique gifting items for both babies and mamas, items that weren’t just mass-produced and generic. Through Hello Duchess, I found my outlet to blend my entrepreneurial drive with my maternal instincts, all while finding ways to spread joy and warmth to fellow moms and their little ones.
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?
Here are my top 3- Resilience is the most crucial quality that has shaped my journey. Challenges and setbacks are bound to happen, but the ability to bounce back, learn from failures, and persevere obstacles was a mind set muscle I built. Whether it was facing rejection, navigating through tough times, or dealing with unexpected changes, resilience enabled me to keep moving forward towards my goals.
Adaptability was essential for our success. Flexibility in mindset, approach, and strategies allowed me to navigate situations and environments. Whether it was learning new skills, adjusting to changes in my personal or professional life, or seizing opportunities, adaptability ensured that I could thrive in any circumstance. Continuous Learning is the last one. The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth has been instrumental in my journey. Staying curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking new experiences and insights. Whether it was through formal education, self-directed learning, or seeking mentorship, prioritizing continuous learning equipped me with the tools and perspectives necessary to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Here are what advice i would give to new or inspiring entrepreneurs-
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in the short term and long term. Having clear goals provides direction and motivation. Reference them weekly!
Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from others, whether it’s from mentors, peers, or potential customers. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.
Build Relationships: Invest in building strong relationships with others. Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Our business would not be possible without my women’s networking group Collab Culture, my mentors, friends, and family.
Take Action: Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start. Take action towards your goals, even if it’s just small steps at a time. Progress comes from consistent effort.
Practice Patience: Growth takes time, so be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress along the way and trust the process.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As an adoptive working mom, and an Asian entrepreneur, I am always open to collaboration and partnerships with like-minded individuals and businesses. I believe in the power of community and leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve mutual success.
I am interested in collaborating with other moms, both working and stay-at-home, who are passionate about entrepreneurship and making a positive impact in their communities. Whether they are mamas, adoptive moms, or any other form of motherhood, I believe we share common experiences and perspectives that can be valuable.
Additionally, I would love to collaborate with individuals or businesses that align with my values and goals. This could include companies focused on women’s empowerment, child-friendly businesses, sustainable brands, or those working in the fields of adoption.
If you are reading this and interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out to me through socials. I am excited to explore potential partnerships and create meaningful connections that benefit us both professionally and personally. Let’s empower each other and build something great together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hello-duchess.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: @helloduchess_shop
- Facebook: @helloduchess_shop
- Other: Shop- inside the Painted Tree in Chandler, AZ & Inside 85 Local in Peoria, AZ
