In this episode of The Grateful Brand, Sarah Frances interviews Allison Wilson, co-founder of Adelisa and Co., a women-owned business that empowers artisans in Nicaragua by creating beautiful handmade leather products. Allison shares the inspiring journey of how the business started as a hobby between friends and transformed into a mission-driven brand dedicated to artisan empowerment, sustainable practices, and personal development.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of running a remote team, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and the importance of having a strong 'why' to navigate the difficulties that come with business growth. Allison highlights the role of marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations, that have helped Adelisa and Co. expand its reach. She also discusses the lessons she’s learned over the past eight years, including discovering new skills through business and the personal growth that comes with entrepreneurship.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for women in business, entrepreneurs, and those interested in building sustainable businesses that make a social impact.

Takeaways:

• Building a dedicated team was essential for growth and for empowering artisans.
• Managing a remote team and supply chain issues are ongoing challenges.
• Having a clear 'why' helps to overcome difficulties in entrepreneurship.
• Personal development and learning new skills are critical to long-term business success.
• Collaborating with influencers has played a major role in the brand’s marketing success.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Business Name

01:14 - Starting as a Hobby and the Importance of Friendship

02:48 - The Aim and Mission of Adelisa and Co.

03:55 - The Team and Impact on the Community

07:05 - Working with a Team in Another Country

10:03 - Challenges of Working with a Team in Another Country

12:36 - Overcoming Snags and Challenges in the Early Days

14:56 - The Importance of a Strong Why and Positive Mindset

17:18 - Lessons Learned in Eight Years of Business

20:10 - Discovering New Skills and Personal Growth

21:14 - The Personal Growth of Running a Business

22:39 - Balancing Family Life and Business

26:59 - The Role of Collaborations and Influencers

29:14 - Setting Marketing Goals for Success

30:55 - Creating Sustainable Jobs and Making a Social Impact

Links to Learn More:

• Learn more about Allison Wilson and Adelisa and Co.: Website: adelisaandco.com Instagram: @adelisaandco
• Podcast Recommendation: The Product Boss Podcast
• Book Recommendation: The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber Check it out: The E-Myth on Amazon

Tune in to learn from Allison’s experience on balancing family life with entrepreneurship, marketing strategies that work, and the importance of building a sustainable business with a strong purpose.