The Journey Behind Style and Leaf Co.
From Friendship to Flourishing Homeware Store
On my recent trip to Western Australia, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jenna and Lisa, the co-founders of Style and Leaf Co., to hear about their inspiring journey. What began as a casual conversation during a netball training session has blossomed into a successful homeware business that has weathered challenges and grown stronger through friendship and teamwork.
Jenna and Lisa shared with Kate how they turned their shared dream into reality, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with a strong partnership and a passion for unique homeware. Here’s their story, told in their own words.
From Netball to Business Partners
Style and Leaf Co. started as a dream shared between two friends, Jenna and Lisa, who first met through a playgroup in Broomhill. Their mutual love for homeware quickly became a topic of conversation during netball practices, and it wasn’t long before they began seriously discussing the idea of starting a store together. 🏐🏠
As Jenna recalls, “I’d always wanted to open a homeware store, and during one of our netball training sessions, I asked Lisa about it. Turns out, she’d been thinking the same thing!”
That conversation marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, and before long, they were turning that dream into reality.
Starting Small: From Lisa’s Home to Their Own Store
Like many small businesses, Style and Leaf Co. had humble beginnings. Jenna and Lisa started by running everything from Lisa’s house, using one of her back rooms to store stock and handle pricing. 📦
“We operated out of my house for about a year and a half,” Lisa explains. “It was chaotic at times, but it worked while we were figuring everything out.”
Eventually, they knew they needed a larger space. The opportunity came when they found a new location for their store—ironically, a former Blockbuster Video shop. 🎬 Moving into the new store was a big step for them, marking the transition from a home-based operation to a full-fledged retail business. 🛍️
Dividing the Work and Building a Partnership
Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, but Jenna and Lisa quickly learned to work together effectively by splitting responsibilities based on their strengths. Jenna took charge of the social media side of things, while Lisa focused on interior design and product selection. 🎨📱
“It wasn’t easy at first,” admits Lisa. “We weren’t best friends before starting the business, so we had to learn how to work together and communicate effectively.”
Jenna adds, “We’ve definitely found a good balance over time. Now we collaborate on decisions, and it’s gotten much easier as we’ve gained more experience.”
Their ability to complement each other’s skills and share the workload has been a key factor in their success. 🤝
Kate’s Live Instagram Workout with Style and Leaf Co.
While visiting Style and Leaf Co., Kate didn’t just shop, she also brought her fitness energy to the store! 💥 She and DediKate trainer Pip, hosted a live Instagram workout right from the shop floor, bringing together her love of fitness and support for Jenna and Lisa’s business. 🏋️♀️
It was a fun and motivating session where customers and fans alike joined in the workout and got a glimpse of the store’s vibrant atmosphere. 🌿💫
You can check out the workout here on Instagram: Watch the Live Workout 🎥.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Successes
Like all small business owners, Jenna and Lisa faced their share of challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, they celebrated a significant milestone, surviving through their eighth Christmas season! 🎄
“Making it through COVID-19 and our eighth Christmas was a huge achievement,” says Lisa. “There were times when we weren’t sure what the future would hold, but we pushed through and came out stronger.”
For Jenna, the biggest success is the strong partnership they’ve built along the way. “For me, the most rewarding part is that we did it together. We weren’t best friends at the start, but we’ve built a solid relationship through the business. That’s something I’m really proud of.” 🌟
Balancing Online and In-Store Success
As Style and Leaf Co. grew, Jenna and Lisa found themselves navigating the complexities of running both an online and a brick-and-mortar store. While online sales spiked during peak periods, in-store sales have always been their strongest asset. 🛒
“Our in-store sales are still the best,” Lisa shares. “But we’ve also learned how important it is to have an online presence, especially with everything going digital.”
Jenna, who manages the store’s social media, highlights the challenges of keeping up with the online side of things. “Social media is a big part of what we do, but it’s a lot of work. We want to offer unique products that aren’t available in other local stores, and that requires careful planning and attention.” 📲✨
Advice for Other Women in Business
When asked what advice they would give to other women looking to start a business, particularly in rural or regional areas, Jenna and Lisa were both quick to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to go for it. 🚀
“Don’t be afraid to pursue your dream,” Jenna advises. “Connect with other women in business and learn from their experiences. There’s so much to gain from talking to others who’ve been through similar challenges.”
Lisa agrees, adding, “It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. There’s help and support out there if you reach out for it.” 💬
Looking Ahead: A Partnership Built to Last
Reflecting on their journey, both Jenna and Lisa are proud of how far Style and Leaf Co. has come, from a conversation during netball practice to a thriving business with a loyal customer base. 🌿
“We’ve come a long way from running the business out of my house,” says Lisa. “It’s been a wild ride, but we’re excited for what the future holds.”
For Jenna, the lasting partnership they’ve built is one of the most rewarding aspects of their journey. “We’ve created something really special together, and that’s what I’m most proud of.” 💖
Jenna and Lisa’s story is a testament to the power of friendship, perseverance, and collaboration. Style and Leaf Co. has not only survived but thrived through challenges, and their journey serves as an inspiration to other women entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re starting small or dreaming big, Jenna and Lisa’s story shows that with passion and the right partnership, anything is possible. ✨🌟
Kate xx
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