Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Alvarado
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Joyful living was birthed out of a place of adversity and to be totally transparent, a breakup/divorce.
It was a time of complete heartbreak, hopelessness, and questioning of what the future will hold. As a woman of faith and a mom of 2, I had to make a decision and I wasn’t going to choose depression or distraction.I decided to be intentional and productive, and I chose Joy! I chose to finally chase that dream of starting my own company. With thousands of creative ideas that never panned out, market research, and hours of listening to MasterClass podcasts, I finally decided to start a company that was true to me, nature, and animals. There was nothing like it on the market and although it wasn’t going to end world hunger or make cleaning dishes easier, it would bring smiles and joy to homes worldwide! I believe this world needs more smiles and I’m so grateful to have the best customers who share how much these artificial topiary plant pups have sparked joy in their home, garden, or place of business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth ride, starting a business by yourself with a modest budget definitely has its challenges. Product seasonality, transporting delays, marketing/ advertising plans, sales channels, fees, and shipping rates are all very important factors in building a successful business! Shipping cost was the first big roadblock that arose early on in my business journey. I like to think that my knowledge of the e-commerce industry was above proficient, but I was quickly humbled, as I wasn’t anticipating the outrageous shipping costs for a product like mine and how it would soon negatively impact my overall margin. Fortunately, I was able to find a quick solution, but this was definitely a learning lesson.
As you know, we’re big fans of Joyful Living Enterprises. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Joyful Living is an online business set up to ship directly to customers nationwide. At Joyful Living we believe nature has the power to heal, bring joy, and inspire any living space. We provide curated indoor and outdoor products that are nature-focused. Topiary plant pups are our first product to be released, we will be adding other fun, faux topiary plant animals this year! We are the only merchant selling high-quality and large-scale artificial topiary plant pups! Our products are one of a kind, high quality, and have no maintenance.
They are pawwfect for your front porch decor, home decor, landscape design, gifts, business mascot, and special events. We offer free shipping! We are a company that brings smiles all across America, so partner with Joyful Living and let nature bring out the smile in your home!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I look very girly and fashionable on the outside butttt I’m a Dora the Explorer/ Steve Irwin at heart!
Snakes, frogs, and lizards have to watch out for me, not the other way around! lol Tree frogs are my favorite animals, I guess I should say amphibian.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyfullivinggo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfullivingenterprises/
