Today we’d like to introduce you to Starla Freeman.
Hi Starla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
By profession, I am an educator of 18 years. I am a STEM Specialist and specialize in providing opportunities and experiences in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for urban children. Connecting them with professionals in the field and creating curriculum that teaches them how to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. By nature, I am just that, a problem solver. I am not engineer but I definitely have an engineer mindset as I approach things in everyday life.
This brings me to where I am as an entrepreneur. I have always had a love for fashion, business, and cultivating relationships between people. So, I started Mango Peach, an online boutique that caters to women and their love for being feminine. After two years of my start, the pandemic occurred. The pandemic didn’t affect business because we were already online. More and more people began to shop online. However, I began to feel the need to connect with my customers in a different way. In doing my research and listening to other retailers who wanted similar hence the birth of Pop Up Shops To Go.
The ideology behind the Pop Up Shops To Go concept was to simply give retailers a turn key space that they could use to physically connect with their customers without the permanent and costly overhead of a brick and mortar. A solution that still had the brick and mortar exclusive boutique feel but more cost-effective, flexible, mobile and ready to pop up anywhere.
I knew there was need and wanted to fill the void. Applying for loans, grants or crowdfunding had proven to be unsuccessful for me and after months of “no’s” I was going to give up. I began to think that my passion was too big. But GOD!! With help of a supportive family and savings, I was able to accomplish it all! I purchased the truck and renovated the entire inside by myself with the help of YouTube. I never knew that all that I was teaching my students about innovation, perseverance and STEM would be all that I needed.
Pop Up Shops To Go is the only mobile rental solution in the Southeast exclusively for retailers. I curate a multi-sensory experience for retailers and their customers. Connecting brands to people love and in person is what we do best!
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?
It hasn’t always been smooth. Just like with anything else that you want to pour your all into, it comes with some challenging moments; moments where you want to give up on your dream and vision. Being honest, making my vision come to life wasn’t the hard part or being creative in finding the resources to complete the project. The challenge that I had to overcome was my mind. Doubting what I knew I was capable of doing; fearing the unknown of whether it would work or not. I have overcome hurdles and roadblocks in my process by shifting my mindset. It is my belief that the sky is never the limit but our minds are.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By profession, I am an educator. I have been in the educational arena for 18 years. Currently, I serve as a STEM Specialist. In this capacity, it is my role to provide students with opportunities to think creatively, critically and apply that knowledge to practice. Using design thinking and solutions based thinking in my profession has lent itself to how I approach my businesses. As an entrepreneur, I develop solutions to the necessary. The development of Pop Up Shops To Go was born out of the need to develop a solution for other retailers like myself.
I am most proud of following through with my vision and being able to see the fruits of my hands on labor. I took a frame of a truck and totally renovated it to what exists today. From electrical and lighting work to flooring, molding, installing the ceiling was all due to the work of my hands and research. It was in this moment that I realized the true meaning of being able to do anything that we put our minds to.
I don’t think that I’m so different from others. I just think that I have been successful at what I’ve aimed to accomplish because I understand the power of the mind. I don’t allow people to place me in a box of what I can’t do. I research, ask questions and find a way or make one.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe that the characteristics that have been most important to my success are perseverance and patience. Understanding that progress is better than perfection. You never know if you have a great idea until you just simply put it out there and see it through.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hello@popupshopstogo.com
- Website: www.popupshopstogo.com
- Instagram: @popupshopstogo
- Facebook: @ popupshopstogo
