Spotlight Series Q&A for Entrepreneurs

Grounded Goods was started by two good friends Catie and Bobbi and they both agree that they complement each other perfectly. Two brains are better than one and with each of their various skills and talents, they have created a successful company from the ground up that gives back by supporting females through a variety of avenues. After all, GIRL POWER is the best kind of power!

Tell us a little bit about your business and what you do.

Grounded Goods Design is a small business in Northern Colorado that designs and creates unique products. We have a strong product line of chic wood earrings selling in boutiques and large retail stores nationwide, as well as online from our website (www.groundedgoodsdesign.com) and Amazon. We are also currently adding a product line of home decor metal signs featuring inspirational and local flair stock designs and offer custom work for those who want something extra special. Likewise, Grounded Goods can provide unique earring and sign designs with exclusive rights for shop owners.

We are continually looking for inspiration to create and develop new designs to evolve our product lines. Ideas are found in nature, fashion trends, and just plain, everyday life to implement into our products.

Two owners can be better than one. We feel that we have a well-rounded company because one of us is left-brained, while the other is right-brained. This creates a unique way to collaborate. With Catie’s degree in Graphic Design, she is able to put a lot of her energy and focus on the design side of the company. Bobbi, on the other hand, is able to use her background and education in business and management to keep things on track. We make sure to add some fun to the grind with art directing photo shoots, shopping to scout out new trends, and dreaming about our next product/giveback.

What made you aspire to be an entrepreneur? 

From the beginning, our goal was to create ‘goods that do good’ things. We wanted to make products that customers would love AND help others by giving back to people in need. We found a way to bring that to fruition with our wood earrings and have had the opportunity to give back thousands of dollars to local organizations that benefit women who need help. Here is how it works, when our earrings are purchased, we give 25% of our net profits to organizations that assist and support women. This could include safe housing for domestic abuse, pregnancy support, or counseling after infant/child loss. #womenhelpingwomen

What is the one thing you wish you had known before starting your own business?

Owning your own business has both pros and cons.  We wouldn’t do anything differently. We are firm believers in the fact that things happen for a reason, both good and bad.  Put faith in your vision and continue to take the next step forward.  With that said, the next step isn’t always easy.  It has been challenging to scale, find suppliers, figure out price points, and learn customer preferences. Maintaining a positive attitude is key!

What has been the most successful avenue for building and growing your brand/business (social media, ads, word of mouth, referrals, etc.)?

Unique and lightweight, our earrings have sold themselves via word of mouth, but a social media presence has led both customers and wholesalers to our website. This past year we elevated our brand/business with professional photography—something we highly recommended to new entrepreneurs.

What are the aspects of your business that you enjoy the most?

Our give back is very rewarding. We get to make a real difference to women in our community that need help. Loving others is at the heart of our company. We also find joy with happy customers. Recently, we created 5 large custom metal panels for a client’s long hallway in her new home. She was from New Zealand and wanted a touch of home in her new home. We created unique Maori inspired designs that moved her to tears of joy. That is satisfying to both customer and crafter.

What do you love doing in your free time to refuel and have fun?

It is important to us to have work/home balance.  Shifting from entrepreneurs to mothers, we need to show a healthy balance for our kids too.

In our free time we enjoy time with family.  This includes hiking, boating, movie nights and an occasional date night with our husbands.  Shout out to our husbands for supporting us while we continue to build the company.