Meet Wendy Rodgers | Founder + Owner

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

Hi Wendy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have never been one that has been able to sit behind a desk or work the normal 9-5. I’ve done those jobs when I’ve had to and always knew I was meant for more. I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business and working for myself and my goal is to create a business that my girls will be proud of and want to take over and run themselves someday. They were the inspiration for Lennon + Sage Co. – It is named after their middle names. I absolutely loved finding cute and unique pieces for them that you didn’t see at Target or Carters. The problem was I could never really find all the things I wanted at one boutique. So my goal is to bring all of the cute, unique, trendiest baby and toddler pieces to one place so Momma’s that want that unique style don’t have to keep searching.

It was a “series of misfortunate events” that finally led me to begin my boutique journey. I just felt that it was the right time to take a chance and go for it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I believe what sets Lennon + Sage Co. apart is amazing customer service, we’re fast and efficient, have the unique and trendy baby and toddler clothes all in one spot and always striving to do more and do better.

I would say what I’m most proud of at this point is that I built my boutique and did everything all by myself. As a new small business owner with a new business, I researched, built the website, currently do the social media and all marketing myself, research latest trends and keep educated, keep the website updated, input all inventory, order more and new inventory….and so much more.

It was and still is not easy; it was and still is a lot of late nights and a lot of work, but to me it is all worth it because it’s MINE and it’s for me and my family.

I overcome challenges everyday. When negative thoughts creep up because there hasn’t been a sale or an email sign up, I stay positive and keep pushing forward and so far that has always paid off. Some people may give up because they are disappointed or think they have failed, but that’s not me. I am determined to make this so much more and I believe that will and drive are what keeps me going and able to overcome the challenges and negative thoughts.

I’ve learned So many lessons in my short few months as a small business owner. Despite having a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, I truly believe no small business owner knows what they’re doing 100% of the time, they just don’t. I’ve learned more about persistence, way more about social media (which also has been helpful as I have a second business free lancing as a social media manager for small businesses that do not have the time.), how to start a business, how to make a website on my own, and SO much more! And I’m learning more and still have SO much more to learn every day.

Lennon + Sage Co.’s brand / story revolves around free spirits. I relate it to as an adult – me sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day 5 days a week was torture. Lennon + Sage Co. is for the wild child, the free spirts, the boho babes that are meant for more. They’re different, they stand out and they do their own thing – the wild at heart. That is our brand and we have everything your wild child could want or need all in one place. Trendy, comfortable, reasonably priced and toddler approved. 🙂

I’m definitely not to the point I want to be yet, but I know I will get there. I want to let others know that even if a situation seems like it’s really bad, try to stay positive and do something good with it. Have faith and trust that God has a plan. Don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to take that leap to do what your heart is set on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever people that are not familiar to Atlanta come in, we definitely have to take them to the Aquarium. We love the aquarium! So we would for sure be there, probably stop at The Battery for some lunch and a little shopping. Go to Midtown and Little Five Points for some lunch and some record shopping at Criminal Records. One day we’d also go to Atlantic Station and Ponce City Market. Another we’d go to Downtown Canton, near where we live and eat at Local on North and then do some shopping in Downtown Woodstock and the Outlets of Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a few people to thank. I want to thank my family – my husband and kids for putting up with my late night hours, and rooms full of boxes. My husband for supporting me along the way and doing whatever he can to help. And for my kids being my models even when they don’t always feel like it!

I thank God for putting me in a position to be able to pursue my dream and even when I wasn’t sure it was going to be able to work or where to even start, through prayer and faith there is always a way.

I also have to thank my In-laws for all of their support. My MIL never fails to share anything I post and was a huge help to me in the beginning as well and I would not have been able to start everything how I did without her and my FIL.

Thank you to all of my brand reps and followers who are helping support and grow our brand. We truly value every single one of you.

Lastly, I have to thank the one who “let me go” from my last job as a Salon Manager due to “conflict of interest”. Through this I was able to turn a really seemingly crappy situation into two businesses, and also spend every day with my girls.

Website: lennonandsageco.com

Instagram: lennonandsageco

Facebook: Lennon + Sage Clothing Co

Other: Pinterest: @Lennonandsageclothingco