Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena S.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
WPUSA was birthed in the midst of COVID-19. Like everyone else, I had jumped on the cricut and epoxy resin train and wound up with a whole bunch of t-shirts, rolling trays, tumblers and other random merchandise shoved in various places around the house.
As with most, it was unfamiliar territory to sell wares virtually. People were used to in-person events and craft fairs. Now enter What’s Poppin’ USA.
My husband actually came up with the idea of me helping my ‘Facebook friends sell their stuff,” and it skyrocketed from there.
We host in-person events, virtual events, mentor small business start-ups along with our published book, Make Your Small Business Dreams Come True: Lena’s easy peasy guide and journal to starting a business and produce a (taped) weekly small business show. Whew!
Alright, 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?
Smooth road as far as final execution of projects, yes, but a very much bumpy road with finding the ‘proper fit’ of other small businesses to collaborate with. Not every small business owner is as committed, diligent or even serious about their business as we are about ours. After all, as we see it, our commitment and obligations extend beyond What’s Poppin’ USA and extend to each and every small business we work with or may potentially work with. And we do not take other people’s livelihoods or dreams lightly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently retired. ‘Big Girl Job’ was 3 separate positions in 3 separate areas of the Government.
My specialities are interpersonal communication, a helpful nature and my gift of gab!
If you ask folks, most will say I’ve got an infectious personality… in a good way! I’m lively and put people at ease and oh, kindhearted, also.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be open to opportunities, but use discernment.
Ladies, trust your gut! She may hang over your pants a little, but she’s probably never wrong!
Research before you collaborate with anyone. Act like that stalker’s ex-girlfriend and troll through their website and all social media. Scroll, click and scroll some more.
Use a contract. Spell out the details, no matter how small or trivial you think they are, details and wording matter!
Know your worth. If they’re after you, that means you’re doing something right! No one wants to collab with a loser going nowhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/whatspoppinusa
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatspoppin_usa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatspoppinusa
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/whatspoppinusa
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/whats-poppin-usa-lawrenceville
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@whatspoppinusa
Image Credits
What’s Poppin’ USA
