We had the good fortune of connecting with JEANA BERRIOS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JEANA, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I come from teenage parents from Puerto Rico. I was born in Bronx, NY and my pops served in the US Navy since I was 1 years old for 25 years. I was always taught the importance of working hard and going above and beyond the standard. I put that into everything I did…School and serving in the US Army. I have always had the idea of working for myself but never knew what the word was for it or how to go about it. Then I heard about a television show called Shark Tank and I finally knew the word…Entrepreneurship. You have to remember I am the first person in my family to graduate High School and go to College. So I had no one to talk to about going the “non-traditional” route of a long term career. So at the age of 36, after I became a mommy for the first time, I decided to start a small business. As a new mom I started to view life differently and wanted to show my daughter that anything is possible and to pursue your dreams no matter how big or small they are.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets us apart from others is that we offer customization and personalization on all of our products. We have grown so much in the last two years especially this past year because of the many late nights and early mornings. The everyday hustle to get our name and brand out there. Building a business with a three year old has not been easy. Being pulled in different directions as a mother and now as a mompreneur. I have found a way to balance being a mother first and being a business owner second. Family will always come first and with that I have a happy daughter and I am happy so in turn my business thrives. There have been a few challenges, which I am grateful to have my mothers help. The largest challenge has been child care for when we exhibit at large markets. During Market season I have to drive to Florida drop off my daughter at my parents home, then drive back to setup for the Market. The biggest lesson that I have learned is inventory. How to manage it, how to organize it, how to and when to order it. What I want the world to know about the brand is that we are strong women that are mothers, veterans and boss babes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting first place I would take them would be to downtown Augusta. Downtown Augusta has so many small business owned shops. I am all about supporting local small businesses and we have some amazing small businesses here in Augusta Georgia.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe everything that I am and where I am in my life to my family. They are my rock, my support, my everything. Especially the women in my family. I come from a very long line of strong women. I also want to say thank you to my mentors, the owners of Freshwater Design Co., Danielle and Brianne. We need more women empowering women. They have been so patient with all the ridiculous questions I had and still have about running a small business.

Website: www.fromustoyouco.com

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