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 Inc, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Krissy Johnston, Owner of Isiah and Co.
Isiah and Co. is my passion. It allows me to help those in need without furthering my own mental health. I make weighted and sensory blankets and other items such as lap pads, scarves, eye mask etc. Weighted blankets have proven time and time again they can help many with invisible injuries such as PTSD, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism and so much more.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Krissy 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 an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for about 10 years now.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start your business?
I didn’t have a choice, I got Complex PTSD as a volunteer firefighter and had to take a medical leave. (Still on it, it’s been 4+yrs now).
3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Being able to help others like myself and building their trust and connections with other people like myself who often feel alone and isolated.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?
COVID and switching to online for everything, giving up my storefront was likely the hardest part tho.
5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?
How expensive and time consuming it is to make a weighted blanket. The material is expensive and it’s often takes me a solid day or two to make just one blanket.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favourite social media platform? Why?
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
COVID…COVID has me shut down my storefront which pushed me to having to use social media more to help keep my business going.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
I’d say it’s hurt Isiah and Co. more then anything as it’s hard to see the quality of my product online vs in person. And for the cost of the people was to see your quality of work before purchasing especially from a small business.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
If you struggle like I do with it, then don’t be afraid to ask for help with it.
A Little More About Krissy
I’m a mother of 4 (2 boys and 2 girls), wife, fur mom to two dogs a Dalmatian Jasper and a Chocolate lab Hurley, and a Chicken Mama to 8 Chicks. I’m passionate about gardening as well. We have loads of flower and veggie gardens around our home and even entered our gardens into this year’s local Flower tour this July. I was a Volunteer firefighter for 8years before taking medical leave. I’m passionate about helping those in need, those with invisible injuries and those who just feel out of place, isolated and alone.
Connect with Krissy
Know A Voss Boss?
Do you know a Voss Boss who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
