Local Talent: Local Business - Episode 27

It takes a lot to start up a business… So how about two? All while being a parent and keeping a day job going? It would be impossible for one person to do all that, but fortunately two sisters banded together to do both. On this episode of the Local Business podcast, Jason talks to Cibolo locals Cassandra Kearns and Christine Bowden who run The Mill, a boutique clothing store, and The Scoop, an ice cream parlor. Listen to them get real about what it means to be a business owner.
The sisters tell Jason how they came up with the idea for The Mill and let him in on the behind-the-scenes management of the business. They share how they price their products, manage their time, and measure their success as business owners. You’ll also hear about their involvement with the Cibolo Small Business Alliance and what they do to unwind when they’re not at work. Listen out for their plans for the future of their business and what they hope to add to the downtown area of Cibolo!
This episode lifts the lid on two of the most popular businesses in the Cibolo area and shows the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur. If you enjoyed it, you can support Cassandra, Christine, and the Local Business podcast by sharing this episode with a friend.

Timestamps
[0:42] Cassandra and Christine give Jason their elevator pitch
[1:56] How the sisters set up their first business together
[3:34] Setting up The Mill and coping with COVID
[5:15] Where the sisters source their products
[6:55] Social media, Yelp and more: Where Cassandra and Christine market their business
[8:08] The expectation vs reality of managing employees
[11:27] What’s the typical customer profile?
[12:12] Diving into pricing strategy
[13:11] Cassandra shares her hopes for the future of the business
[14:50] “It’s hard”: How the girls manage their time
[16:10] “You don't know what you don’t know”: What Cassandra and Christine wish they knew and their biggest mistake
[21:22] How do you measure success?
[23:12] What the future of Cibolo has to do with the future of The Mill
[25:33] The psychology of leaving online reviews
[27:27] It’s time for the… Lightning Rooooooouuuuuuund!!!
[32:42] So what’s happening with the Small Business Alliance?
[36:06] “So here’s the thing”: Working on the downtown noise ordinance
[37:33] Relaxing and resetting when you’re a business owner
[40:33] Cassandra and Christine share their parting words of wisdom
[43:58] Passion and freedom (not money!): Why people start small businesses
[47:53] How the sisters are planning for their future
[52:11] Cassandra’s partnership with Liz at The Rooted Fork

Highlight Quote“If you’re thinking about wanting to open a business, talk to people. Ask questions. Most people that own a small business are more than willing to talk when we have time”Cassandra Kearns, Local Business podcast, (40:45)

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/TheMillBoutique/
https://www.instagram.com/themillboutique/

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1tzUASELeq89GBm1yeHIkw/featured
https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1EFqBxTHi7oHUAWEqCOE