Today we’d like to introduce you to Michole McBroom.
Hi Michole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My partner and I started this business in March of 2021. I wanted to start a hat brand because I love wearing hats but my head is too big for many of the hats I wanted to wear, so I thought I would create my own. I knew I was capable of doing the backend work which entails the accounting, inventory and customer support, however, the design had to come from someone with great style and ear to the streets. I have a great eye for quality but my partner is a student of design, culture, environmental issues, as well as social causes. Together we make an awesome team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a huge learning curve for both of us. We started this online business without the knowledge of marketing, social media and sourcing products. The original business model was that my notoriety from my children would allow me to have success selling to my 248k followers on Instagram. Well, that was not a good plan and only allowed us a few good months, then we had to hire a marketing team who took more than they gave, and my son went through a bad breakup on social media which created haters who lashed out on my personal businesses including Lidstick Diaries… We had to disable comments which created problems with the social media algorithm and basically made our account dead in the water. We started doing Pop Ups, better known as outdoor markets in March of 2022 and everything changed. We were able to meet people, present our product in person and have real meaningful conversations. This was the game-changer for us and our sales have increased tremendously. We have created an online presence by having our consumers post on their Instagram stories a photo of the hat they purchased and tag us in order to receive a $5 discount. The post are seen by their friends who love the designs and either have their friends buy a second hat or they purchase from us online. We have met people who are able to get us in the room with buyers for Nordstrom, boutique hotel chains and offer free attendance to specialty markets.
We’ve been impressed with Lidstick Diaries, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a hat brand that creates lids that stick out in style. Our hats are trendy, sporty and give anyone swag. We focus on quality and providing a fashionable product at a fair price. It never gets old to hear our customers say that our hats are so comfortable they wear them daily. We have many repeat customers who buy two to three hats or more, so it must mean we are doing something right.
I have seen our hats being worn when I am out and about and every single time, I say to myself “That is a good-looking hat” before I realize that it’s OUR HAT! It makes me feel amazing to know, we are adding value to people’s lives one stylish hat at a time.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I listen to many audible books about being present and adding value to others’ lives. I am currently listening to “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty and “Being You. Changing the World” by Dain Heer. I believe we are all here to be of service to others and I strive to do this in all my businesses.
I love the podcast “How I Built This” with Guy Raz and plan to be on it one day in the near future.
I continue to seek out people with an Entrepreneurial spirit. I love to hear others’ stories and words of wisdom and in turn, it has allowed me to attract the people I need to move whatever I focus on forward.
Pricing:
- $49
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lidstickdiaries.com
- Instagram: Lidstickdiaries
- Facebook: Lidstickdiaries
- Twitter: @Lidstick_
Image Credits
Julianna Stefanovic Alexis Stefanovic Monique Stefanovic Ishaan Bahri Rachany Hem Jevon Thompson
