Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Swindlehurst.
Hi Leanne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Almost a year after having my first baby boy I felt like I was failing as a mom and a wife. I was doing all the right things – playdates, date nights, healthy eating, working out, spirituality, etc. Even with all these good things I was struggling to create and feel joy with my child, my husband, and myself.
While at lunch with 2 dear friends, I confessed my enduring struggles. I look next door to our eatery and noticed a tiny Holiday/Gift shop. I walked in and felt excited & happy for the first time in a long time. I was transported to my childhood – running down to our local gift shop with my mom to find special new holiday decor for gatherings or moments we thoughtfully picked out a gift for a dear friend or family member. I realized I wanted this joy with my family and wanted to give others the chance to experience it as well. I wanted to start a Holiday & Gift Shop and stay home with my kids.
I bought a $10 business workbook and connected with experts in the Gift Industry, pop-up markets, and the small business world. But then I realized: “I just quit my full-time job; I had no budget for a website of graphic designers. How could I photograph the product in my yellow-walled townhome? I’m a Stay at Home Mom and my kids are with me all day – how could I create the business of my dreams when this was my reality?
Christmas was approaching and we pulled out our bins of holiday decor. With Holiday music blaring and Santa Hats on – we decorated our little yellow-walled townhome & it was filled with SO MUCH JOY! This was the feeling I needed in my life and I wanted others to easily be able to create this joy too – I had to keep working on my Shop!
At the end of 2018, I launched The Rosy Nook: A Holiday & Gift Shop. I dug myself out of severe PPD and anxiety through the creative process of starting my own business and realized I love creating with my kids! In this process of getting ready for holidays and celebrations – I find joy! Friends and family members donated their homes and talents to help bring The Rosy Nook to life!
I want to give others the opportunity to find joy in the creative process too. Whether it’s the process of picking out a thoughtful gift, decorating with their family, or transforming a little nook into a special space – joy is in the process!
Over the past 4.5 years, I have been able to grow The Rosy Nook from an online 10-product company to a known Brand in the Pop-Up Market Community and online. We participate in 12-15 local Pop-Up Shops/Markets each year and have a strong online presence. I’ve been able to be present with my children and husband like I’d always wanted.
I’ve also had the pleasure of creating strong friendships with other incredible small business owners, hiring employees for The Rosy Nook, and have created lots of opportunities for my little boys to learn how to work as we’ve gone through inventory, set up for markets and so much more.
One of the best parts of this journey is working alongside my husband – Craig is a Partner at a regional Accounting Firm and also does all of the accounting, inventory management, finances and many times works markets alongside me. It’s truly a dream come true! The Rosy Nook is a family business through and through.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the struggles have been quite normal for small businesses: learning how to market and grow on social media and online. Trying to juggle too many hats at one time. Knowing that there is always so much work waiting for you. One of the hardest aspects I’ve had while running this business is learning to say “No” to opportunities.
During the first few years of The Rosy Nook, I said “yes” to every market, pop-up shop, collaboration, influencer, and more. As we grew, we had to recognize our time was one of our most important commodities and we quickly realized not every situation had a positive return on investment. I’m still working on this and continue to learn what works best for our business.
We’ve been impressed with The Rosy Nook: A Holiday + Gift Shop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Rosy Nook is a Holiday & Gift Shop.
We specialize in Unique yet classic Holiday Decor. Our goal is to help our customers create a magical and joyful home with Holiday Decor & Gifts. We not only bring our customers the latest and most classic Holiday Decor – we put a unique touch on how to style these pieces in your home and space. You can find lots of mini-tutorials and inspiration on our Instagram, Facebook, and Blog.
We know every single person can create cheer in their home – no matter where you live – a dorm, apartment, or home! When you cheer up your home you infuse joy in yourself, those who live with you, and those who visit your space. Decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top – a little goes a long way and we are here to help our customers find their style and create in their own homes!
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the small farming town of Wenatchee, Washington. I loved being involved in sports, student government, and our community. My parents are in the orchard industry and I grew up working summers in the orchard or fruit sheds. It was really hard work but we played hard after the sun went down. It sounds so typical of a small town but my nights and weekends were spent going to the fair(s), spending time on Lake Chelan with friends, spending time up the valley at my grandparent’s little log home on the Icicle River, and gathering! I have always loved to gather friends and family – any excuse to gather: a holiday, a birthday, a graduation – I want to gather and celebrate.
I’m told I was a stubborn young girl and my spirit for serving and connecting with our community was born in my early high school years. I was involved in my school – Chamber Choir, Sports, leading Freshman Orientation, planning Homecoming week, setting up dances, performing in Musicals, participating in our town’s Apply Blossom Festival, and traveling to other towns as a town ambassador. My hometown is an idyllic place to grow up and we still visit a few weeks each summer and hike, spend time at my grandparent’s ranch with loads of cousins, and reconnect with family and friends. My parents have made such an impact on my entrepreneurial spirit – they started with nothing and built a super successful business and have sold their fruit all over the world.
My mother has always kept a super cozy, inviting home, and even when we had pennies to our name – each holiday and birthday felt special and joyful. My work ethic and love for Holidays + Celebrations direct symptoms of growing up in a house where learning how to work was part of our lives and just as important as gathering and celebrating! Their home is still one of the coziest, most inviting spaces to stay and create memories in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosynook.com
- Instagram: @therosynook
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therosynook/
- Other: http://pinterest.com/leabur/
Image Credits
Cindy Burnett, Jylare Smith, Glitter Houses, and Tinsel Trees
