We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Vann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor for the success of my brand (Beans.& Beanies) is the passion that drives me to make my items. I started B&B when I was 15, and it was started because of my love to knit. I pour my heart into each item that I make and it brings me so much joy when someone purchases an item that I made with my own hands. Beans & Beanies wouldn’t be what it is today if I didn’t love hand-making each items.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I was 15, I started a mini knitting company where I knit beanies and the majority of the proceeds went to Olive Crest. Back then, I called it Hannah’s Hats. Foster kids have had a huge place in my heart since my family got the chance to raise my cousin for a little bit of his life due to a rough situation. We learned very quickly about his past life and what he and his siblings had to endure. No child should ever have to go through any of the things he or his siblings did. I needed to do something and at the time, all I could really do was knit beanies and sell them!

As life went on, I got too busy with school and work and wasn’t able to continue the business but donating and aiding kids was always on my heart, and throughout college, I dreamed of what I could do. I am obsessed with coffee and I had an amazing professor who guided me through marketing and how to create business plans and that is when B&B was created. The word beans are after my obsession with coffee and hopefully, I will be able to sell my cold brew concentrate soon! Beanies are what started my drive to create a company to help care for kids in the foster care system, so why not bring these words into my business! 10% of the profit goes to Casa De Amparo. I think the back story to B&B really sets me apart. I am truly passionate about helping my community and I strive my best to do that through B&B.

It is not easy running a small business, especially when it is on the side. I am a marketing professional by day and a small business owner by night. There have been plenty of challenges. Especially with working a full-time job and then immediately getting my knitting needles or addi king knitting aide and going to work all night. There have been plenty of times where I will take a week or two to myself so I can rest my mind and my hands. I recently got married and I took a few months off so I could fully focus on my husband and our life. My customers are so understanding and supportive! As a business owner, it is really important to check-in and make sure you are taking care of yourself so you don’t get burnt out. Consistency is important but so is resting so that you can give yourself the space to be creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a north county SD girl through and through. I would start by taking them all around Carlsbad Village where would definitely make a stop at the Goods. The donut shop with good donuts AND coffee! We would do some great shopping and hang out at the beach around there. Next would be the 101 in Encinitas. We’d definitely go to Rico’s taco shop and get some ice cream at Handel’s!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Zack deserves credit for where I am today! He is my number one supporter when it comes to my entrepreneur ideas, especially Beans & Beanies. Even with a tough work schedule, he goes out of his way to help me with events and craft fairs. You can even find him talking to customers and telling them my story. He has even made some beanies alongside me! I seriously would not be where I am today without him. I thank God for him every day!

Website: www.beansandbeanies.com

Instagram: @beansandbeanies_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hannahnoellevann

Image Credits
Delaney Aragon

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