Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh McDowell.
Hi Leigh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was an RN working full time at a local hospital and my children were in daycare and were constantly getting sick with colds, viruses, stomach flu, ear infections, etc. so I started to research natural remedies that might help support their immune system and that is when I learned about elderberries and that they have been used for thousands of years for just that! I started making it at home for my own family for a few years with great results when my husband suggested that I make a Facebook post advertising that I was making a batch and would anyone be interested in purchasing any? I logged on shortly after to 52 people inquiring about buying! I started selling from my home but after a year, I greatly outgrew that. We opened a storefront in Feb 2020.
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?
Some struggles for us have mostly revolved around manageable growth. We grew rather large very quickly, which was extremely overwhelming at times. I wasn’t the best at delegating or learning how to manage my time with a new business which took a toll on my marriage and parent life. The storefront has greatly alleviated a lot of those issues.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Elderberry Fairy?
We specialize in an immune system supporting elderberry products, including syrup, tea, lemonade, gummies, kombucha, popsicles, capsules, fire cider, lozenges and more! We also carry homemade insect repellent and vapor rub, which are super popular! I think our excellent customer service sets us apart. Customers really are like my family. I love to hear about them, their lives, their kids, pets, try to remember their names and stories. Ask how they’re doing if they came in sick last time. Things like that! 😀
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just to be your true, authentic self! I feel like people are pretty good at reading each other so they can tell if you are enjoying being there and being present for them.
Contact Info:
- Email: LeighAMiles@yahoo.com
- Website: TheElderberryFairy.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Elderberry-Fairy-LLC-102789757978624/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/305705670155973/?ref=share
