Meet Xochitl Stafford | Business Owner and Full-time Mom of 2 (6 if we are counting our 4-legged friends)

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

Hi Xochitl, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
If I am being completely honest, I never had a process when starting my business. I had a need of my own, and just went for it.

I know a mood board, creating a business plan, and even having a simple outline of your ideas is incredibly helpful contributing to a businesses success.

I am more of a dive in with both feet first and figure it out along the way. It has served me well so far. But I wouldnt recommend it for everyone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Im very transparent with my customers. While I run my business completely on my own, Im also a Project Manager for a Fortune 500 company. Its not easy, but I get the job done.

Everything I’ve learned from my corporate career has provided me skillsets I practice in my own business. This has been a huge asset for me.

Im still trying to balance life, my career, and run a business. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart.

What I want people to not only see but feel is the love and attention I pour into my products.

When you order online or purchase in my shop every ounce of that one product came directly from me. Starting with an idea for products, formulating them, packaging, labeling, shipping, stocking, and everything in between is done solely by me. There is no middle man.

As I grow, im hoping I can delegate more. But for now, this is what a small business is at its core.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Im pretty low key and enjoy the small things. My first stop would be one of my favorite local coffee shops to catch up on everything.

Depending on the season (I would always recommend a friend visiting in the summer or fall. Midwest winters can be brutal) I would take them to our local farmers market which has grown signficantly and it a vibe all on its own.

Explore all the fun and cute local boutiques and shops we have to offer.

For food some of my top picks would be this wonderful mexican ice cream shop, my favorite pub that has the best brunch and bloody marys in the state, and another local restaurant thats situated in the middle of a park that offers a wonderful outdoor dining experience.

Keeping it simple and classy over here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband gets 90% of the credit here. He picks up all my slack when I work late nights and every weekend. Has not once complained about it and has been a constant support while encouraging me along the way. He once worked my shop with both kids in tow so I could run an off-site event.

The partners behind the business never get enough recognition they are such an important part in running a successful business.

And of course the rest goes out to all my wonderful customers who continue to support my dreams daily.

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