Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Lee.
Emily, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Most people create a small business around a trade they have experience in. Not me! I graduated from TCU with a degree in Chemistry, then went on to graduate school at Virginia Tech to study Polymer Chemistry. After five years of higher education, I realized that chemistry wasn’t my ‘thing.’ I set my roots in Fort Worth and began a career in HR.
After marrying my husband, we had our first child and decided that I would be a stay-at-home mom. I loved being home with our daughter, but I also missed adult interaction and have a job outside of the home. Once our second child was born, I decided to do something for myself.
I signed up for sewing and smocking lessons at a local fabric store and began to find my perfect fit. After smocking a dress for my daughter, I had leftover fabric, so I sewed a (hideous) bow to match. I tweaked my pattern, played with fabrics, and perfected the perfect, classic bow.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been the family/work struggle. Starting a small business, with small children, out of your home could be a recipe for disaster. Working late at night, during naps, and now during school hours has allowed me to grow at a manageable pace.
I’m still very much a stay-at-home mom, shuttling to and from school, after-school activities, doctor appointments, and picking up sick kids but I find time to get my work done. Sometimes that means bringing my computer to cheer practice, writing thank you notes in the carpool line or emailing invoices in waiting rooms, I always manage to find the time.
The Bow Next Door – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Bow Next Door is a classic children’s accessories brand. We specialize in fabric hair bows, bow ties, belts, and bags. Unlike ribbon bows, we specially create each fabric bows to show their classic shape. We started small, selling to friends, on Etsy, and at local craft fairs. Within one year, our Etsy site took off, and stores began contacting us about wholesaling.
In 2016, we shut down our Etsy site, created our own website, and signed on with wholesale reps in both Dallas and Atlanta. Our growth is beyond my belief and continues to surprise me! Last year we opened LOCAL Design Studios + Gallery in Fort Worth with four other local businesses. The space gives us a storefront, workspace, and warehouse space.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I love connecting with our customers! When someone posts a picture of their little wearing TBND on social media, I get giddy! I love having that connection online but also in person. I’ve met so many great people along the way and look forward to meeting so many more.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3610 West Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Website: www.thebownextdoor.com
- Phone: 817-584-1595
- Email: hello@thebownextdoor.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebownextdoor
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebownextdoor
Image Credit:
Sabrina Gebhart Photography
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