For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Ricki Barrett, the owner of Glasshouse Goods!
Glass House Goods was created as a way to remind women of their strength, their truth, and their sass in a stylish way. What’s more, I created this as a way to connect with other strong women, and to celebrate our truth and tenacity. To create a community of vulnerability, kindness and, badassery.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Ricki about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what she thinks makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
Glass House Goods has been in business for 2 years! Our anniversary is actually the end of January. I had a previous business before this, for nearly 4 years where I think I learned a lot of information, strategy and marketing that I was able to apply to GHG.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Glass House Goods? (I know we talked at length about this when we met two years ago, but for the readers who don’t know!)
I’m actually still working full-time and bossing full-time as well. What started as a small endeavor with big aspirations has become a full-time legitimate business! I don’t plan to ever leave my career actually, so 2020 for me is all about finding ways to work smarter, not harder and keep GHG growing and thriving!
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
I love meeting other incredible women along the way! The support and love myself and this brand have received over the past two years has been incredible. I’ve learned so much from other women, and been able to teach others as well which has been extremely rewarding.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a female entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Glass House Goods?
Two things: One, finding balance has been hard. With the rapid growth of this brand I’ve had a hard time managing everything on my plate and felt at times like I was burning out. I’ve had to start getting better at saying “no” and ask for help when I need it. Both not strong suits of mine.
Two, Takers. Though it hasn’t happened often when I’ve dealt with someone truly wanting to take from me… my ideas, my brand, images, designs…. It’s been absolutely gutting. I go through life assuming the best in people and have been burned for that. It blows my mind that there are women out there that would knowingly take and hurt other women. I’ve had to grow up a bit and realize that I need to protect my brand with more than assumptions of kindness. I’ve come to realize, standing up for yourself and your business (appropriately) isn’t being a “bitch” it’s being a strong businesswoman.
5: What is one thing about working in the maker industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I don’t think people realize alllll the work that goes into having a small shop! We make it look effortless at times but the hours that go into making, marketing, branding, websites, product launches, social media….. It’s staggering!
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
For me, it’s a tie. I love Instagram for the visuals, and the ability to reach out to others so easily. (Though they may not respond- I’m still waiting on Rachel Hollis to read my DM lol) But I also love Facebook because of my VIP group. I have nearly 3k members in this group, and it’s where I have the most fun and am able to be myself. I post live videos play games, host giveaways and take honest feedback on new products. It’s where I feel closest to “real people”
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
Social media is a big part of my (all of our) life, I couldn’t imagine not using that platform to enhance my business.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Absolutely! However, I would say social media is a fickle friend though. I find that the more you post and are present, the more growth and sales you get. If I take a step back, I notice a real decline, so it’s something that needs constant attention and love which can be exhausting.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Don’t try to be everyone else. It’s easy to ride on other’s coattails or mold your brand around someone else’s success but it’s not genuine. People are starting to see through that and are looking for honest, authentic people with their own direction. You’re not going to be for everyone, and that’s ok. Be yourself and people will appreciate that much more than anything else.
A Little More About Ricki – In Her Own Words
Hi, ♀️ I’m Ricki, the one-woman-show behind Glass House Goods. I started dreaming up this brand while I was poorly managing the transition from one child to two. During that time I struggled much more than I let on, (which I regret) but once the fog started to eventually lift, I started to gain more confidence and started to really open up about who I am. I don’t know if it was my age/maturity or just exhaustion from trying to be the Pinterest version of myself, but I started to be more authentic and true to myself and saw that others were too. What an amazing trend!
Connect with Glass House Goods:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Know Any Voss Babes?
Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
