PAULA TATUM | FOUNDER, CONSCIOUS GIFTER
"Start where you are now and don’t try to be perfect at everything you do off the bat."
How do you start your day?
I start my work day with my to-do list that I made the night before, usually with follow up emails and social media reviewing and posting.
What would you tell yourself as a teenager?
Don’t worry so much and enjoy the moment you're in now. Stop wanting to grow up.
What do you need to get through each day?
Alone time, where I can really focus on what I need to do for my business.
What are you reading?
The last inspirational book I read was Don’t Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller; for fun, FireFly Lane by Kristin Hannah.
Briefly describe your business and inspiration for it.
Conscious Gifter is an online gift store where I source ethical gifts that are making a positive impact in the world. I try to work with companies that are transparent about their manufacturing; who makes the products, how they are made, and what they are made of. We work with brands that we believe are improving the lives of artisans. Our goal is to support artisans and provide them with opportunities for work and sales. I was inspired to start Conscious Gifter because I truly believe that people appreciate gifts that give back.
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I have passion and drive for making the world better, and I wanted to do it on my terms. I wanted to be in control of my work schedule so that I could have a more flexible schedule for my family.
What was the tipping point for realizing you had a good business?
I love giving gifts and I always look for gifts that do something beyond just making the recipient feel good. I found it difficult to find gifts that positively supported artisans in a sustainable way. Conscious Gifter was born out of this idea.
What lessons have you learned along the way that you wish you would have known at the beginning of your start-up career?
I learned in last 16 months is to stay on track with your budget and making sure everyone in your life is on board and they support you that this will be a long journey.
What aspects of being an entrepreneur do you love and/or dislike?
I love being my own boss but it's hard when you are a party of one. The decisions are all mine to make. It's hard to wear all hats in business.
Are there any go-to resources that you have found useful to run your business?
LinkedIn is a great networking tool. It's so important to connect with and learn from other founders in your industry.
What has been your best strategy for selling your product or service and what have you learned along the way?
People buy from people/brands they trust and like. I've found that you have to develop a relationship built on trust before people will buy from your company.
What do you think the most important attribute a female entrepreneur/ business owner can possess?
It's important to be self-starter and adaptable to changes in the market, and knowing when to pivot your business.
What would you say to another woman who asked you if they should take the leap and start their own business?
Are you willing to hear 1000 NOs before you get one yes, are you emotionally stable and are you able to support yourself for two years before money comes in from your business? Think about how you'd answer these questions and proceed with your eyes wide open.