Kimberly Swanson

Twin Lakes, WI (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

The Rustic Shop

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Location: Twin Lakes
Industry: Retail/Clothing
Year Founded: 2014
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Business Stage: Growth (profitable)
Entity Type: Limited Liability Company
Description: "When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee... He said you can be anything you want to be." - Faith Hill I was raised by hard-working, middle-class parents that I can't remember when they didn't have atleast 1 job, if not 2 or 3 jobs at the same time. I remember thinking to myself, even as a grade schooler, how my main goal in life would be able to provide for my parents and also provide for my own children somday. I truly believed in the American Dream and I'm hoping it is still alive today. After 10+ years of customer service, sales, and marketing experience and 5+ years of direct sales experience I decided to open my own direct sales business. I knew that I had the work ethic, smarts, common sense, and education to start a business that could be a great success. On April 23rd (my parents anniversary) I launched The Rustic Shop. We are a direct sales company specializing in rustic items. For those of you who are not sure what that means, it's an Avon, Scentsy, Tastefully Simply type setup. We offer representative opportunities to individuals who are interested in selling our amazing products and making a commission from their sales. When I initially started my business plan I thought I had realistic 6 month, 1 year, and even a 5 year goal. I have been amazed at how quickly we have grown. Within 1 month of our launch we have 1,000 sales representatives throughout the United States. It's very clear to me that I have offered products and a business platform that people are interested in learning more or participating in. The Rustic Shop was started out of my love for country, rustic, and primitive items. We sell anything from rhinestone bling purses, rhinestone tanks, primitive home decor, wooden signs, handmade items, and so much more. We pride ourselves on being a woman-owned, family-run business that takes a great deal of pride in customer service an quality products I'm a very hardworking entrepreneur, country girl, and farmers daughter and that's where my drive comes in. My entire life I have been told that the American Dream is out there if you try hard enough. If you work hard enough then good things can come. I can assure you I have been working 14-18 hours per day to keep The Rustic Shop on this tremendous, extreme growth. I'm so excited, but so exhausted. In the last 6 weeks I have sacrificed so much and am happy to do so. I have 2 young sons (2yr and 3yr) and truthfully they don't get as much attention as they normally do because I am so dedicated to my work. Even when I write this now (12:30 am) tears roll down my face because of how much I miss my boys. But I know that if I work hard enough I will be able to provide them a comfortable way of living and that also means so much to me. It's truly a daily struggle and even though I am not one to ask for help, I've finally gotten to a point where I am willing to ask. For anyone who knows me, asking for help is a huge accomplishment. So here is where our sponsors come in. Since the company has grown so quickly there are so many things that we need and I cannot accomplish at this time. Although I know we will continue to prosper no matter what, we could potentially grow so much more quickly and efficiently with extra funding. The most important thing on the list is that we need a completely new website. We need a website built from scratch that would give our representatives the ability to track sales, contact customers, and view product information. After many quotes I have realized this is easily a $15,000 project. I would love to be able to provide this for representatives. Additionally there are other things that I would love to offer our representatives such as welcome packets, marketing materials, business cards, additional products and inventory, among other things. In final, know that The Rustic Shop will go to the top. There is no doubt in my mind that slowly, but surely we will confidently accomplish our dreams because I have an undeniable determination that just can't be matched. But with that being said, being able to hold in my pride and ask for my help to take our company to the next level is much more important. My team and I certainly appreciate any and all help that you can certainly provide. Check us out online or seek our your local Rustic Representative for more information about our company. (URL removed) (URL removed)