Today we’d like to introduce you to Caresse Hickman.
Hi Caresse, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started Lucy Jane in 2018 with $250. I named the company after my grandmother who passed away from breast cancer. She was my inspiration with headscarves as she wore them every day during her chemotherapy. I never seen her cry. Unless it was from laughing so hard!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve been told “No” from business loans to asking for help. My family didn’t support my decision to quit college and start a business. And I was broke. Really broke. But for some reason, it wouldn’t let off my heart. A mentor once told me that the best gratification isn’t instant. It’s delayed. You become more grateful for it, you cherish it, you take care of it. Ever since then I’ve always kept that in the back of my mind. I’m a firm believer that life works out for me and whatever is for me will never miss me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Before starting a business, I worked in sales for 10 years. I become high level manager very quickly at the age of 18 and moved up every year. While working for these big companies and seeing how they operate in sales, goals, marketing, etc. I took those tools and applied it to my business. The psychology behind retail sales is very fascinating. Businesses understand people and that’s what gets your business thriving. Understanding people. Taking the time to get to know them. Not being so “sales” focused but people-focused. I still work in corporate sales, and I learn more and more every day to take back with my business!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I found my previous mentor through my sales job. His name was Jess. The best mentor I’ve ever had. We worked together for 4 years, and I learned so much from him. “Networking is all about making friends. Treat it like kindergarten” some advice he gave me when I was 20 years old and nervous to talk to millionaires at a convention we went to. It’s easy making friends that young because kids don’t overthink. They just do. Worked like a charm. I use that advice for every room I walk into. Just make friends!
Image Credits
@_rayvisions
