Happy Wednesday Golden Divas!

We’re going to talk about HUSTLING, FLOWING AND PRAYING all while we are staying beautiful in this Golden Diva Interview today! Hustle & Flow might have been a big-time movie in 2005 starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, which told a story of a hustler and pimp who had aspirations of becoming a rapper. Hey everybody has dream…but can anyone say ‘EMPIRE?’ I’m just saying. Lol. Anyway, whether you have a dream, a passion, a hobby, an idea or you just stumbled into something that seems to work; work it, ladies, work it so well that you can build your own ‘EMPIRE’ so that you can see the fruits of your labor and every other girl would want to be just like you. “THE BOSS!” Golden Divas as women we know how to create a business to build our own empire by supplementing our income with hobbies that we are passionate about and turn our creativity into a lucrative business. We are no stranger to hard work and getting our side hustle on to create another stream of revenue; especially on the other side of 50. We are recreating ourselves and following our desires, hustling our side gig, while stepping out on faith and prayer to make all of our dreams come true. After all, we are Golden Diva conquerors! Joining these beautiful entrepreneurs is Sandra Coleman who is creating quite a buzz with her eclectic craft collection “THIS & THAT!” I have known this Golden Diva all of my life (literally) she is my big sister, we affectionately call her Renee, she is my shero, and influencer. I am so happy to have the opportunity to interview this beautiful woman. Sandra says that our mother the lovely Everlean Eckols-Seals and I have been her biggest supporters; however, the truth be told Renee is the most optimistic person that I know, no matter what challenges she may be facing in her life, she is a true Golden Diva Warrior! Renee has always been my biggest supporter, my inspiration, and I have followed in her footsteps on so many occasions to follow my dreams. She has set an example of being a strong ‘Black Woman’ with goals, she is fierce, very creative, intelligent beyond measure, gentle and ever so kind, whom I adore and love immensely.

‘Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without Hope and Confidence!’ Helen Keller.

Meet Sandra Coleman

Sandra Coleman is 54 years old, she is a native of Chicago, IL, she resides in Bloomington IL, and she has been married for nearly four years. Sandra has two children and three grandchildren. She works at State Farm Insurance, and this November she will be celebrating 20 years. Her hobbies include crafting, especially with her Cricut (cutting machine) and gardening which brings joy and peace to her soul. Sandra’s passion for crafting led her to be an entrepreneur to extend her creativity to start her own business ‘THIS & THAT!’ Eclectic Craft Collections. Her products are made out of love with encouraging and inspiring messages!

In Conversation with Sandra Coleman

C50: How did you get your idea or concept to start your business ‘This & That?’

SC: I have always had a side hustle starting back in 1984. I have sold Tupperware, African American Art, Avon, toys, Gift baskets, and now my creative items. I wanted to branch out when I was selling the gift baskets to start creating different things. I have mainly done holiday items.

C50: How did you know this was the right idea to start a business?

SC: I purchased a Cricut machine last year, which has allowed me to progress with my creative journey. I actually think I have become addicted to using this machine to make items :).

C50: How do you plan on growing your business?

SC: I plan to continue to learn and try different things to expand the products I offer. Currently, the items I make are READY-MADE sometime in the future, I would like to extend to customized items and maybe sell on sites like Etsy, Facebook, etc.

C50: What personal gratification do you get out of this type of business?

SC: I love to express my creativity through the items I offer. Crafting often takes my mind off of other things going on in my life.

C50: What are some of the mistakes you wished you could’ve avoided?

SC: I’ve been told I price things too low sometimes.

C50: How can you make your business better?

SC: I would like to try some different things. Since I’m still learning this machine, I purchased last year I know there is a lot I need to learn.

C50: What type of product(s) do you sell?

SC: Some of the items I have made include wreaths, pillows, gift baskets, candleholders, cosmetic bags, tote bags, dish towels, t-shirts, and a few more items. Hence the name of my business “THIS & THAT”.

C50: How do you advertise your business? (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Blogging, Events & Fairs, etc).

SC: Currently, I advertise through word of mouth and handing out business cards at craft fairs I participate in. The bulk of my business is SEASONAL, so participating in local fairs during the holiday season (Nov – Dec) has helped.

C50: What is unique about your business ‘THIS & THAT?’

SC: My products are made with love and a message and it brings me great joy to share my creativity with others.

C50: Have you ever had any concerns and fears when it came down to launching your business?

SC: Of course, there have been those negative thoughts….” will people like what I’ve done?” Am I priced too high?” I think those are common fears, but when you love what you do, you take the risk and hope for the best.

BONUS QUESTION

C50: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting, what would it be?

SC: Since my business is very small and seasonal, the only advice I can offer is to start small, learn your craft and go for it. I have sold several things over the years, and nothing has brought me this type of satisfaction until I started creating my own products; which has given me pure joy.

C50: There you have it ladies my Golden Diva for June, the talented and creative Sandra Coleman. Check out some of her crafts, her work is unique and its made from love.

Golden Divas you can contact Sandra at the following below or messenger her on Facebook under Sandra Johnson Coleman:

Sandra R. Coleman