Entrepreneurial Empire
Learn the fundamentals of where you are in business and how to scale with your host Jacqueline. Your business will go through many stages, and every stage will have it's own set of requirements. Let's unravel the journey ahead together and find strategic solutions that will help you conquer it all.
Entrepreneurial Empire
🚀 The Elkie Evolution: How Charlotte Evans Built a Lifestyle Brand
Ever wondered how to convert your passion into a thriving business? What if you also have the roles of a mother to juggle with? This episode offers a unique window into the multi-faceted life of Charlotte Evans, the entrepreneur behind Elkie, a lifestyle brand for women in all stages. Listen to Charlotte as she shares her journey of evolving from teaching piano lessons in high school to creating Elkie, a reflection of her own identity. Discover her insights on the significance of effective advertising and the struggles of maintaining equilibrium between work and family life.
Charlotte reveals candid anecdotes about the rigors of managing her business while also being a mother to five children. She shares her secret to striking a balance - scheduling, planning, and having a solid support system. She underscores the importance of determination and passion in overcoming these challenges. She also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those aiming to achieve a work-life balance, with words of wisdom drawn from her own experiences. Here's a compelling narrative of tenacity, passion, and creativity that one would not want to miss.
Welcome to the Entrepreneurial Empire Podcast. This is the place where you can find business and career strategies, techniques and real life success journeys of individuals who have built businesses to the million dollar revenue mark and beyond. I'm Jaclyn Hernandez, life Coach and Business Development Consultant. I have worked with startups, fortune 100 companies, network marketing, direct sales organizations, churches, nonprofits and government agencies all to become the authority experts in their industry. Lead with people and scale their revenue. Let's get started. Okay, so excited. Today we have Charlotte Evans, who is the founder and CEO of Elkie. This is a lifestyle brand for women in all stages, and they provide high quality bags and accessories that really make life so much easier. Okay so, Charlotte, hello.
Speaker 2:Hi, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1:Awesome, and Charlotte, this is your first podcast appearance.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, this is my very first one, so we'll see how it goes.
Speaker 1:Okay, this is going to be the first of many, so if you're a podcaster out there, we're going to give you her information. You call her up, get her on your show too, all right? Well, thank you for joining us. I was looking into your bags and everything that you guys offer. I mean everything that you offer. It definitely is more than just a bag. It really is. You guys have styles and compartments, and just you thought of everything. So tell us a little bit about yourself. You're a mom.
Speaker 2:Yes, yeah, so I'm a mom, I have five kids. I have four girls, and then our little boy, who's three, and my oldest daughter, she is 11. So, oh my gosh, so four to 11.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, awesome. So you guys have a lot going on at home. You're a mom, you're a wife, you're just taking care of a lot of things. How did Elkie come to mind? What brought that on to you?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so I have always been like very entrepreneurial minded, I guess, and I've always had this like desire to start a business, and I feel like I've started a few other ones and like, even back down in high school I taught piano lessons.
Speaker 2:I had a few like elementary you know kids who I taught piano to. And then my siblings and I we tried to start a like a party business, which is actually laughable now that I think about it. But my sister, she was going to do the face painting because she was artistic. And then my brother he did balloon animals, and then I would dress up as a clown and we would go to people's birthday parties and entertain them. And anyways, I think we just got like one person that we I'm sure it was like a friend that just felt sorry for us. But you know.
Speaker 2:So we tried that and yeah, and then there was a few other things kind of that I I tried to do, I guess, like I tried to do like watches, like jewelry and stuff in high school and I mean, I guess back then too, like the internet wasn't.
Speaker 2:It was in the 2000s, so the internet wasn't like it is today, so trying to find a whole bunch of information on businesses or where to get supplies from wasn't super available. But in right after I had my first daughter, my dad had given me he was really into photography and he gave me a camera and I was like we were four college students and I was like I'm going to start a business, like I'm going to make some money with this camera. So I watched so many YouTube videos, looked up so many tutorials, taught myself photography, and I did that for a while until I kind of just like lost passion for it. I just didn't love it anymore. And by this time I'd had a few kids and I was just kind of like I don't know, in the thick of being a mom to little kids and at the same time, like I still had this like desire to like. I still have this need for a creative outlet, I guess.
Speaker 2:And so there was one evening when my husband and I were talking and it was, I think it was like in 2013 or 2014. And there was, I had this idea for like a like a leather diaper bag, because that was kind of the stage of life I was in and I feel like the market was kind of changing from like cheesy diaper bags to like cute, like oh wait, that's a diaper bag type of thing, yes. So I kind of looked into that a little bit and it was like then again I like had this great idea, I think all night long, like when I, when I get an idea like I laser focused, like nothing else matters, like that's all.
Speaker 2:I did all night long was like drop my designs. I researched, then I got stuck on the like okay, what's next? Like how do I execute this, I guess? And so I kind of like brushed it aside, forgot about it. And then it was after I had my fourth daughter. I was, I still had this like I love being a mom, I love it so much, but I still have this like I don't know like entrepreneur drive, like freedom outlet, to like have something that belonged to me, I guess. And so I was getting ready one morning I was just kind of beating myself up up about it and I don't know, I feel like I don't know if it was like Divine.
Speaker 2:Intervention or what, but I feel like I just had this thought that was like you are in control of your success, like if you want to start a business, if you want, like just do it, like go for it, like no one's holding you back except yourself.
Speaker 1:And I was like I don't know what it was.
Speaker 2:But I was like, oh, my gosh, like yeah, it was like this conversation I'm having with myself in my head. I was like, yeah, you're right. Like I'm gonna start a business, like I, you know. So I kind of stopped getting like hung up over, like what I'm going to start. All of a sudden I knew I was going to start a business, but I wasn't exactly sure. And then a couple weeks later I was thinking about it and my oldest daughter, her name, is Emma, and then I have Lydia, kate, ivy, and then our last name is Evan. So the acronym of her name spells, or of all their names combined, spells, elkie. And I was like that is adorable, like it was like I had just realized like how cute of a name that was. And I was like I'm gonna have a business named Elkie.
Speaker 1:I was like I don't exactly know, and so I told my husband that night he's like what are you going to do?
Speaker 2:I was like I don't know yet. But then I kind of went back to the like the diaper bag idea and I was like I think I still really want to do that, like I you know. He's like we'll do it. He's like just take what everyone else has done and improve it, like make it better, and so.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:I'm going to do it. So I that's kind of where the idea all came from, and yeah, everything's just kind of spiraled from there.
Speaker 1:I love what you said. You've always been an entrepreneur at heart. You know, growing up did you, were you raised around entrepreneurs. Like where did that come from, that characteristic?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I would say probably, um, yeah, probably from my upbringing. My dad, he has a company and so I guess I was always kind of in that environment of like and like hard work and I don't know, like stuff like that. And so, yeah, I would say a lot probably came from my upbringing and then we were just taught a lot like to work hard and everything that we have is from what we work from. Like I wasn't given handouts as a kid, I guess.
Speaker 1:So I felt like I kind of had, I was always like I don't know.
Speaker 2:I was always trying to think of ways to make money, I guess. So yeah, probably partly from seeing my dad too, with his.
Speaker 1:Awesome, I love that. Now, I love what you said. You weren't always given anything. You know and you had to work for it, and that was really ingrained in you. So I was, you know, talking about your business and really getting to know, elkie, it's you guys really bootstrap this business with your own money and your own cash flow. So what was that like? Did you guys ever think you would ask for money somewhere down the line? Or were you like, no, all we know is to work hard and cash flow it ourselves.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so we have bootstrapped it. It's been hard, I will say that. But I also I cannot ask people for help, like that's just, I don't know. I just have this issue where, like I have to do everything myself type thing and I don't want other, I don't want to have to rely on other people. Or just a thought of, like you know, using someone else's money or whatnot, like, and actually I feel like it's been really good, because when we first made that first deposit for we, you know, took out our savings account and made the deposit and it was really scary. But I feel like using our own money like put this whole new level to it, where I was like that's our money, like I want that money back and I want you know so.
Speaker 2:I think that's the the water and chirps. Yeah, like it wasn't. You know where I was like, okay, like I still have the comfort of, like you know, that was the money that we lived on, and so I feel like it's been really hard though to try to do that, especially while raising five kids. And you know, like I don't like, besides LP, like I didn't have a full-time job when I did that, so we just had the one income job and then, yeah, so we had months where it was really really tight and hard as we were trying to scale, because we've scaled pretty quickly. So but yeah, I feel like I would totally do bootstrapping a hundred times over.
Speaker 1:I love that. I think so many people get caught up in the weeds on that, which is, you know, making the decision to really bootstrap it, and you know, buckle down when it comes to spending, because a lot of people think that they have to go out and get money and borrow against. You know different things. So I love that you talked about that and how you relied on that. That's really amazing. And also you talked about your husband, in a sense that he was just like pretty much very supportive, like let's give our whole life savings away for this idea. So how did that conversation? He's very supportive.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, he has been very, very supportive and like, yeah, honestly, very like he's all of the very entrepreneurial minded and but, yeah, he's been very supportive through this whole entire process and, honestly, I like this business is just as much his as it is mine, like he's put in an equal amount of work and I feel like we both work together to make it what it is today. So, yeah, it's definitely it's a true dynamic duo.
Speaker 1:Yes, and it does take an effort, and a lot of people, I think, don't realize the support that you can have within each other and what you guys were able to accomplish, because you guys both are in this together and you're supporting one another in this idea and the concept. You guys were really able to give birth to a business that is growing and within your second year, you guys were able to hit the $1 million mark. How do you feel about that?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's honestly like kind of surreal a little bit with how. So when I started LTE I don't even know if I should admit this, but I've never been taken like a business class in my life, like I graduated in child development, like I was developing children, but like starting a business, like everything has been like what I have learned just from trial and error, I guess and so yeah, it's been, it's definitely been a learning experience is to see like how far we've come to where we started.
Speaker 2:I'm like it's amazing, I would say to. A lot have come from like mentors and making friends like that are also in the business world that you kind of you can kind of like run off ideas or get feedback from. That's also been super helpful and helping us learn, kind of like what the heck we're doing.
Speaker 1:But yeah, it's pretty rewarding to see like wow, like I did that, like I started that, so it's and that is definitely, it's definitely a running theme with entrepreneurs, which is the mentorship that you just talked about. Is, you know, being able to bounce those ideas off and being able to be in those conversations and discussions with people that have Maybe not so much done what you're doing, but have built a business and see what works and what doesn't work, and being able to pass off that information to you. So how many mentors do you think you had?
Speaker 2:I probably would say, I don't know, probably one in particular that I feel like helped me learn a lot. Um. But, yeah, but whenever anyone else is starting a business, I'm like, if you have any questions, let me know, because I am an open book, like I will literally help you through anything, because I Remember there was so many times where I was like okay, what does this?
Speaker 2:mean, or what do I do in this situation, or how do I do this? I was like Google, google, google, google. And then it was like I don't know. Like two hours later it's like I still I don't know it was. I feel like Google is amazing, but at the same time it's I don't know. It's just so much nicer to like have someone to talk to about it. That's been there, actually been there or not? Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1:I love that now, as you were growing the business like, did you believe or did you think it was gonna be a big hit Like it is today?
Speaker 2:um, I really hoped it would be I. I I told my husband, I don't even know, I was like, okay, here's the thing, like I'm gonna start this and I'm like I'm not gonna fail, like I, because there's so many Businesses that people start and they fail within the first year, or first five years or whatever, and I don't know. I just like I Didn't want that to be me. I, I guess it's like I don't want to fail and so, um, yeah, it's been, it's it's been hard, but it's been. Yeah, I don't even remember what the question was.
Speaker 1:Okay. So as you were okay, as you were building, I mean, it's some, there's so many companies out there, so many people with these great ideas and they're like really great ideas and they cannot seem to do it for the life of them. Get it to the million dollar mark. What do you feel like was the big, you know, pivot moment for you guys, or the one thing that just really Escalated you guys to success with your brand?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, um, the first year, so I guess the first six months, because we launched in August, and then, um, yeah, so from like August to December, we had about like ten thousand dollars in sales with throughout that period. And I think back sometimes and I'm like I don't even know where the people came from, like all of it was kind of word of mouth or just from, like online forms. I would say, um, because then, like after that, I was like okay, like we got to like sell more in order to be, you know, to sustain ourselves and stuff. So then I realized, oh, people advertise like you have to actually pay money for someone to buy your product.
Speaker 1:Like.
Speaker 2:This is how much like I've learned over and so I got into advertising. I feel like that has been what has like boosted us. So much is yeah, we do advertising through Google, all the social media platforms, and we're getting into influencer marketing now all that kind of stuff. So I feel like advertising is the key to grow.
Speaker 1:Yes, it's a scaling definitely. Well, at least get you to the million dollar mark. Yeah, I think people, as business owners do not use utilize advertising.
Speaker 2:It's expensive. I would say that's probably. I would say probably the number one thing is it's expensive. It's so much easier to just word of mouth but at the same time there's only so many people in your circle that you talk to that could find out about your business, your product or service or whatever, and so I would say probably expense, and then also just maybe Maybe not knowing how to do it. I would say too, like that was a whole learning curve and it took. We've wasted a lot of money on advertising trying to figure out how the heck it works, but we finally got a master. So yeah, there's a learning curve to it.
Speaker 1:How long did it, do you think it took you guys to learn how to master advertising?
Speaker 2:Oh goodness, um, I would say Probably a couple months. I would say maybe like six months to try to Try to figure it all out and try and I mean this is coming from someone who had never even gone to, like these, the Gads manager at all, so I mean it's like a whole new language and all you know. So, um, yeah, I'd probably say about six months until we're like, oh okay, like we're okay, we're making money again from our sales. So but yeah, it took a minute.
Speaker 1:Was there ever a point, as you guys were building up, like in your first year, where you felt like Maybe this isn't gonna work, maybe this wasn't the the big you know the big idea that was gonna get us there? Or did you guys ever feel like quitting.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, there was so many times where we felt like quitting. Well, at least me, I feel like every time. Because here's the thing about being an entrepreneur is you work nonstop, and especially me having five kids I mean, I had four when I started it and now I have five, but it's hard to find the time to do stuff, and so I feel like constantly. It was this game of like balance and I wanted to be there for my kids, but at the same time, I had like this pressure of like this business over my shoulders, and so there were so many times where I would just like go to bed and just cried. My husband would be like I wanna give up, I quit, like this is so hard, like what am I doing?
Speaker 1:It's not worth it.
Speaker 2:And I mean also like for the first little since we bootstrapped everything, like I didn't even for the first three years of doing this, like I had zero paycheck, like I didn't get paid anything to myself. We just put it right back into the company and so I felt like I was, like I am. I would wake up early and then I would get the kids all off to school and I would be home with them during the day and stuff, because, let's be honest, like it's hard to work with little kids and I also wouldn't be there for them.
Speaker 2:And so then once they would go to bed at night so like from nine o'clock to like most nights, like one o'clock or two o'clock in the morning, I would work on the business. And so, yeah, it was very emotionally and physically exhausting. There were so many times I wanted to quit, but every time he was like nope, like we did not come this far to quit, Like we're gonna keep going, like look how far you've come. And so he's been a great support in like boosting me up and being like you got this, like we're gonna do this, we're gonna succeed.
Speaker 2:And every time, like you know, I just go to bed that night and then wake up in the next morning and like hey, we got this, we're gonna go. Oh my gosh, it's definitely yeah. There's been many times where I have wanted to quit.
Speaker 1:And you have a great support system. You know definitely have to say Bill is amazing, he's got your back. He's like, yes, let's do this. We got this in such a positive attitude all the time that I've been able to speak with him, so that's awesome. But I want to go back to what you said. I mean, that was like a big point right there. I want our listeners to really like open up their ears to this. You worked for free for three years.
Speaker 2:Yes, I know I sometimes like it was frustrating. I'll be honest, a lot of times I was like I don't even, you know, I don't even see any money from this. What's the point? But now that we've like gotten over the hump, I was like worth it, it's totally worth it, but yeah.
Speaker 1:But the point in that is that for three years you didn't quit. You didn't quit in three years and you weren't making any profit for yourself. You weren't making a paycheck as the CEO and founder. So that's amazing. And I mean now you guys are totally rewarded for those three years above and beyond. And you know and your company is just soaring so many you're a very popular brand.
Speaker 1:Elkie is a popular brand. Your website, I see, is Elkie Co, so it's ELKECOcom, is that right? Yeah, yeah, so ElkieCocom. That's where everybody can go in, surf, look around, pick out what style fits for you, and you really do have a variety of styles that can fit every. No matter what phase of your life you're in, you could definitely use this brand. So it's really amazing. Okay, so in three years you didn't give up. I mean I have to say that is some resilience there, because and again I want to emphasize you have five kids. So you're doing breakfast, lunch, dinner, driving kids to school, doing play dates, going to their after-school programs, like all of that stuff, and being like super mom and being very engaged and a wife and you know, and you're growing this business. That is some super boss baddie right there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'll be honest.
Speaker 1:I like I feel like I live a crazy life, but Do you ever hear people say you know, like they kind of explain their situation like oh, but it's just too hard and you're thinking in your head like let me share what I've got. You have no idea, oh yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's awesome.
Speaker 1:What advice if you were running a mentor class. What advice or what would you mentor on first?
Speaker 2:I would. Okay. I think there's two things I would probably say.
Speaker 2:The first thing is don't compare yourself to other people or other businesses, because and it's hard not to do, especially when with social media, everyone's like highlights of their amazing lives or blasted in front of us all day long it's really hard not to compare yourself and I feel like too, just like you know, the whole entrepreneur life just seems amazingly glamorous just from social media, which there are.
Speaker 2:It's awesome, like I wouldn't trade it for anything. But it's also what you don't see is all the hard work that in all the hours that are put in the 21st seven hours, you know working days or whatever, and so I feel like you just can't compare yourself to other people or other companies or other success. But you just do you and yeah, you'll be so much better off. And then the other thing is don't quit. I kind of touched on this earlier, but I feel like that's just kind of been like whenever people come to me about you know businesses and stuff, I'm like it's hard, like it's really hard. You're going to want to quit a million times over, but don't do it Just like just push through, keep going and you'll see the rewards.
Speaker 1:So Wow, now how did your kids feel about you guys doing business and everything that you were doing? Did they ever feel any type of like that you were distracted, or did they ever feel that way?
Speaker 2:I would say probably, yes, I have been. I have tried really hard because I probably how I grew up. My mom is a stay-at-home mom and so that's also been extremely important to me. To like be there for my kids and that's probably been the hardest thing I've had to fight is like balancing it all. So I'm still there for them, but I'm also like giving attention to the business. But there I would say there have been times where they're like mom, like all you do is work whatever.
Speaker 2:And I'm like, I'm sorry, like don't tell me that Like I know, but I've tried to, like I said, I have tried to work in the evenings and stuff, so I'm still there for them. But I think they do, I think they love it and I think they see the company as like I don't know, we kind of call it like a family business. I guess, Like I feel like we try to incorporate them as much as we can. They honestly helped me package, Like when we used to ship stuff to Amazon. They would like help put stuff into packaging and put the labels on and stuff like that. So we try to include them as much as we can and they have a lot of fun. In fact, my oldest daughter she's already told me she's gonna take over when I'm old. I'm like, okay, they're already trying to figure out who's gonna run it.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh, so we already have some CEO stepping up. Oh yeah, yeah, awesome In those three years. I wanna go back to the hard work that you put in, because it's exactly what you said. You see all this glamour and luxury lifestyles that people have really put in the hard work, but you don't see the hard work of that glamourous lifestyle, right, you just see the afters. So in those three years, did you guys get to take a vacation? Did you guys do a lot of things?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so we definitely tried. So yeah, so I did not get paid, but we did take out like owner's equity like a little bit here and there to do family vacations. So I guess like-, but those were important, yeah, Very important, and that was one of the things. I was like we've gotta see some kind of payoff in order, and so that's what we tell the kids too. We're like, hey, this is like you know from the health of Elkie that we're going on, you know, those vacations.
Speaker 2:So yeah, every year, we do try to do a family vacation. I think family vacations are super important, just to like make the memories without the distractions of like everyday life around you. So yeah, we definitely do a family vacation every single year.
Speaker 1:That's awesome. So working hard but also showing the kids and yourself that all the hard work you're putting in, you've got to show something for it and at least give your time to rejuvenate and refresh and go back to the grind yeah, yeah, that's awesome. Okay, so five kids what was your biggest challenge with managing kids and managing a business?
Speaker 2:Oh goodness, everything, I don't know. I feel like it, like I said, just like the balance, like making sure I was there for my kids when they needed me, I give them the attention that they need, has probably yeah, has probably been the hardest thing. But I've also tried to make sure that, like when I'm with them, I'm with them. So like quality of time is more important than quantity of time. So like when I'm with them, like we do fun things together and stuff, and then when I'm working, I'm working and stuff like that. So I yeah, I've tried to, I've tried to create somewhat of a balance, although I'm not perfect and it's still hard, especially in the summer when they're all home.
Speaker 2:Yes, it's been hard, but I do. We do have people that help us now, so I do have some that comes in packages during the day and stuff like that. So that's made my life so much easier as well. That way I don't have to be like, okay, but I have to get the packages out first and then we can go. You know, I'm like, okay, I'm in mom, like I can. So I feel like for the first time this year, you know, and since we've started, I've been able to like I've been able to create that balance a whole lot better because we've been able to afford to like pay employees and stuff or, as before, we couldn't.
Speaker 1:That's awesome. Love, that that's so awesome. Okay, so I guess my next question is is as you're raising kids, do you guys have balance for a husband and wife time too, cause a lot of wives you know really are like is this going to take away from the marriage and from our spending time together?
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, I definitely think you have to be very intentional about that and like schedule out like date nights and stuff, because it makes it hard when you have million things to do. I just feel like, even as a mom in general, just you know, I don't know, you're running around with your kids all day and then you're exhausted.
Speaker 2:And you know, so I feel like it's really important to schedule out that time, to be like okay, this is date night, we're going to do this once a month or twice a month, and it also makes it super helpful that grandma and grandpa live around the corner now. So I'm like you watch the kids, so it makes it super helpful too. But yeah, you definitely have to schedule it in there, otherwise you know it just, yeah, spending time together won't happen if you don't schedule it into your day.
Speaker 1:So schedule so do you needlessly say? It sounds like you live by a schedule and you really got to stick to that.
Speaker 2:I try to. I will be honest, I feel like I I don't know, I like to live kind of a spontaneous life at the same time, so, but when I do that, I like forget everything that I'm supposed to be doing and going, you know, and stuff like that. So, yes, I especially this last year, I've tried to be really good. I like putting everything on my calendar, because if it's on my phone it gets lost and everything.
Speaker 1:So I like put it on my calendar.
Speaker 2:Everyone has a different color marker when their activities are, and so, yeah, I feel like it's actually made the world a difference, you know, just having everything right there and the whole family knows when things are going on, instead of just like me in the back of my memory, like, oh wait, I think we have this tonight, you know. So, yeah, I highly recommend scheduling. Took me a couple years to figure it out, but I'm so glad I'm doing it now.
Speaker 1:I love that. That's good for mentoring too, right there, yes, okay. So now, as you were going through this, back to the three years of the grind, and you know really that growth that was happening with you, what did you lean into to inspire you, to keep you creative and inspired?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think I just looked I don't know, I'm a big dreamer and so I think I just looked at the potential where we were going and I was like, hey, if I just push through for this hard time, this isn't gonna be forever. If I just push through, then we'll get there, like we will get there, I'm determined to. And so I think, just looking forward to that future I guess I always look forward to the future too so, just looking forward to that, I don't know, I think it was enough to like to keep me going. It's always been our dream to have a family business, so I kind of feel like I'm living a dream a little bit.
Speaker 1:You are living your dream, for sure, for sure. You have an amazing brand. It's a well-known brand. People love your product. They love the brand. It's changing people's lives because it's not just a bag, it is literally a lifestyle, and you are able to do that for so many people. So I mean, how does that make you feel?
Speaker 2:It's pretty amazing. Actually it's kind of funny. Every once in a while I get some friends that text me like, oh, I just saw something that had your bag my brother Maw, he was flying from Europe, he was on a business trip or something, and he actually sent me a picture. There was a girl in the London airport that had an Elfie bag and I was like, oh my gosh, Like it was kind of wild a little bit. And then I was at Costco once this was our very first year or maybe second year of selling and I was at Costco and I saw a lady that I didn't even know Like if it was my friend, that'd be one thing.
Speaker 2:But I had no idea who this lady was. And she had an Elfie bag and I was like, oh my gosh, what do I do? Like do I go up and talk to her. Like do I say I like your bag. Like I don't even know what to say. So it is kind of surreal when I am in the real world and I'm like I think that's my bag or people text me pictures. It's kind of crazy. I'm like, wow, this is kind of awesome. So yeah, it's definitely becoming more well known, for sure.
Speaker 1:That is so awesome. I feel like that would just totally put a smile on your face all day long. Just getting random text messages and people are like I saw your bag.
Speaker 2:Yes, every time I'm like oh my gosh, you just made my day, Thank you. Thank you, Mary.
Speaker 1:That is so amazing, very popular brand, love it. Now, what do you feel like advice you would give to moms out there that are stay at home moms, or maybe even like there's career moms that are working their butts off and hate their jobs? What advice would you give to that career mom that hates their job and wants that work-life balance and wants to be home with their kids more? What advice would you give them?
Speaker 2:I would say, just do it. So the thing that I probably got hung up with the most is like, well, what am I gonna do? Like I want to stay home with my kids, I want to have a business. So like, what's the idea? And I don't even remember. My husband gave me the statistic once, but he's like so many I don't know, maybe it was 80%, but I could be totally wrong. So don't call me that. New businesses are ideas that already exist that someone just improves upon. And so I'm like, don't get so hung up on the idea. Just think of what you're passionate about and do it. Like, take the leap of faith and do it, and I mean you can, even while you're working full-time. Like you can even easily do it as like a side hustle and then, as it grows to a point where it can sustain you, like quit your job and be home with your babies. It's the best.
Speaker 1:That is so awesome. Okay, well, if your life was a, or right now, the phase of life that you're in right now, if you had to title it, what would your title be?
Speaker 2:I would probably say just keep going.
Speaker 1:Keep going.
Speaker 2:Yeah, just keep going. I feel like there are so many times, even now, that it's just hard and exhausting and you want to quit. As an entrepreneur, you work all the time and it just kind of gets exhausting sometimes, but you just got to keep going. Just you know, don't you know? Take a break and just get back up and keep on powering on.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much, charlotte. You are such an inspiration to so many people, men and women, parents and non-parents. Look it, if Charlotte Evans can do it, she is kicking butt with five kids, you know. Stay at home. Mom came up with this idea, wanted to deliver her purpose in a way that she knew that she could. She went out there creatively in her mind, built this idea, strategized the bag and, you know, really drew it out, made it happen and come to life. In her own words, she says I am living that dream that I dreamt up. Yeah, that's true. If you could leave us with any last words, what would those be for our audience today?
Speaker 2:I would probably say like, if, yeah, if you're wanting to start a business or wanting just a better lifestyle, be home with your kids, whatever, just do it. Like, just start, like I said earlier, like you are in control of your success and no one's holding you back but yourself, so just start somewhere.
Speaker 1:Yes, I love it. Okay, multi-millions bags in London. Look her up. I'm gonna save that website one more time. It's L-P-E-L-K-I-E dot. No, I'm sorry, E-L-K-I-E-C-O, L-K-E-C-O dot com. Okay, look her up. Purchase your bag today. All right, everybody, thank you so much. Thank you, Charlotte, for joining us today.
Speaker 2:Yeah, thank you so much, Bye, bye.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much for listening to the Entrepreneurial Empire podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, do me two solids Subscribe to the show so that you never miss an episode and leave us a review so that others can find this live-changing content that we provide here. This show can be the very difference for someone you might know struggling in their business, and we need your help to bring us together. And thank you again for being a part of our entrepreneurial community and for tuning in each and every single week Until next time. Bye for now.