Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Worman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved from New York to Chicago 7 years ago to settle down and start a family; prior to living in NY I lived in San Francisco. With over 15 years of experience in fashion and merchandising, I gave up my career to settle down in the midwest to start a family. I love working and building relationships and while unemployed my sister convinced me to start blogging to meet new people. I didn’t know many people in the city and was itching to get into something so blogging helped me “build” something new. Within a few months of blogging, my sister and I brainstormed to start our own “boutique” brand and T&J Designs was created. We started with selling jewelry and marketing it through our blogs. In marketing our company we created great relationships with bloggers to share our brand as well. Within two years, we hit 7 digit sales and our products were featured on the Today Show and many other press publications. We went onto expanding into clothing, swimwear and more accessories.
My blog, social media, and my business has enabled me to form so many friendships, networks, and expand my business. It is amazing how free platforms such as blogger, wordpress, instagram and facebook can create successful businesses as well as open up so many doors! I feel so grateful for all the opportunities that have come and this year I have pursued blogging on Red Soles and Red Wine more full time. Chicago is a great city with wonderful people and I am proud to have grown both my business and blog here.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur is like a roller coaster. There are no smooth roads, choices or easy routes. You learn, you make mistakes, there’s huge successes, huge failures, but the biggest thing is that you continuously learn and grow from each step. Being adaptable, taking risks, and not dwelling on mistakes is how I’ve continued to grow with my team. I work a lot, I don’t have work life balance, but I LOVE what I do. So work has become a huge part of my life, but I’m happy with that.
The advice I like to give to other women? Pursue your passions with a business plan in mind and don’t expect things to happen. When pursuing any career or opening up your own business, make sure you have the finances in mind and don’t go into debt or have a plan before putting too much money in. The end goal is to make sure you can make more and afford to continue to grow! And with any job, work hard, be motivated and don’t expect things will happen. We all have the ability to make them happen and be open to any opportunities that may fall into your lap.
I read a lot about business, social media changes, and go to a lot of events to meet new people. Being adaptable, pursuing growth, and pursuing everything with passion will get you far. And be open to feedback!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Red Soles and Red Wine/T&J Designs – what should we know?
T&J Designs – we buy, design and sell clothing and accessories for a target audience that loves social media, on-trend items, and things $100 and under. I’m the CEO so I work on every aspect of the product and site as well as manage the team. My sister, Tiffany, is my key partner who manages it all with me and helps the business run in Seattle. She works in the office, which is close to Seattle. My parents are also part of the backbone of the business! When you get a package, my mom is the one who packed them! My dad helps with the accounting, international relationships and product management.
Red Soles and Red Wine – I share what I love about fashion, travel, food, family and about me! I blog every week, Instagram daily. I love creating content and sharing parts of me with my social media friends.
I’m most proud of the fact I’ve created a business with my family. Working together has been amazing as I talk to them daily and we all still get along :). As for my blog and social media, I’m so thankful for all that I get to do! From events to hosting things, doing live TV, traveling to Mexico, eating at the most wonderful restaurants. I get to live and do fabulous things and share them.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
Gosh, so many, I just look around me. I would say my mom and my many friends that are entrepreneurs like me, They are also moms, wives, and manage it all.
My mom was my inspiration behind fashion and pursuing it. From a young age, she taught me about style, having individual style, and how to carry myself with confidence.
I find inspiration all around me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.redsolesandredwine.com
- Email: jen@redsolesandredwine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsolesandredwine/
- Facebook: facebook.com/redsolesandredwine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/redsolesredwine
- Other: http://tandjdesigns.com
Image Credit:
https://www.instagram.com/hannahschweissphotography/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
