The past number of months have been a whirlwind. Yet, there are some women entrepreneurs that are continuing to break the mold and shine like the stars they are! We're proud to introduce our Squish Stars campaign, highlighting incredible women entrepreneurs!
We were lucky to talk to Mollie Creason, Founder and Chief Curator of Well + Wonder Artist Collective,and ask her some questions.
Tell us about your business? How did you get started? Mollie: Well + Wonder is a southern-curated, web-based collective featuring artwork from southern, female, emerging artists. I believe that experiencing and collecting art shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating. Discovering artwork should be fun, soulful and add to your sense of wonder. Established in 2015, Well + Wonder proudly curates an online gallery of southern art by southern women in a price range fit for collectors—those buying their first pieces, and established collectors looking for a fresh perspective. I launched Well + Wonder Artist Collective in 2015 because, as is the case with most entrepreneurs when they launch a company, I noticed a void in the market place in regards to online art buying in the south and specifically with female artists. I set out to make art buying more personal, less intimidating, and something that can be available to all consumers (even the first time collectors!) The three pillars of Well + Wonder are empowerment, community, and trust. If we can provide these to our artists and our clients than we are fulfilling our mission of supporting southern female artists in an intimate way.
What measures have you been forced to take since COVID started? What is the biggest pivot you had to make with your business?
Mollie: Luckily for Well + Wonder we were and have always been an e-commerce brand so I did not have to worry about a brick and mortar space closing as so many retailers did. While sales slowed initially, we did see sales come back and increase beginning in April. My biggest adjustment has been working with each of my artists on their contracts and collections as many of them are working moms trying to juggle school and work. I have had to learn to shift deadlines and make last minute changes to our release calendars.
What have you learned from this experience thus far? Both on a professional and personal level.
Mollie: On a professional level I have spent a lot of time making myself learn about our finances (not my favorite part of running the business!) and how and what that should look like in a crisis. On a personal level, I've learned that I can do more than I often think I am capable of. Teaching two children at home for 6 months while running a growing business made me feel like superwoman some days (even if I had not washed my hair in quite some time).
Have any businesses or individuals helped to inspire you through this time? What do you admire most about them?
Mollie: The Tory Burch Foundation and my class of 2020 fellows! They have inspired me, made the extra effort to help and listen when I have questions, and provided endless support and inspiration.
What are the biggest issues for running your company right now? What areas do you need help with?
Mollie: I still struggle with when and how to spend money. Times feel so turbulent right now and sometimes I feel like I'm on the tilt a whirl making sure I do the right thing and hang on tight!
What's been your biggest win since starting your company?
Mollie: Gosh this is a hard one! Exceeding sales goals are always nice, but to me nothing beats seeing our name in print! And when it's publications like Southern Living and Flower Magazine that's the icing on the cake!
Are there any special or new self-care practices that have helped you stay grounded?
Mollie: You hear it a lot but it's true - getting outside is an instant stress reliever. Exercise, wine with friends, and CBD are all tricks I swear by as well.
Favorite show you've been watching/book you're reading/podcast you're listening to?
Mollie: I just binged Away on Netflix- so good! Reading Rodham by my favorite author Curtis Sittenfeld. Always listening to the following podcasts: How I Built This with Guy Raz The Business of Being Creative with Sean Low Absolutely Not with Heather McMahan for a good laugh
If you could be any of our marshmallow flavors, which one would you be?
Mollie: Birthday Party because I love a lot of color, sprinkles and sweetness. The Birthday Party marshmallows are the perfect blend of pretty, fun, and tasty!
