Nicole Genz founded Rescued Furnishings in 2013 and left her engineering career in 2015 to begin full time. Within two years her business had grown to full kitchen renovations, a home décor store, and a DIY class business with 12 employees and a million dollars in revenue.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but this business came about very naturally as a hobby that grew over time.
Tell us about your business.
At our store you can decorate your home, have it renovated, or learn how to do it yourself. We try to be a one-stop shop for your home.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Our online store is running 20% off this week for small business week using code “smb” at check out!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
Small Business Council Member for United States.
Where is your business based?
St. Louis, MO.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I created a business license, website, and Facebook page all in the same day.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective method for us has been Facebook advertising—dollar for dollar, it does the best.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Scaling is always a challenge.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I think keeping your goals in mind, staying focused, and creating methods to stay ahead are key.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Knowing deep down that I was capable of being successful.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Keeping our core business in mind so we don’t stray into areas we aren’t great at. This allows us to focus on new and fun things inside of our lane that are creative, inventive, and new.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
To take some time off for yourself. Your business is your baby, and 100 hrs a week is only sustainable for so long.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Write down where you want to be in five years, and what you are doing now. Start crossing off the things that won’t get you there, and focus on the things that will.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
Hootsuite for social media scheduling, Shopify, and Facebook. These three things all go hand-in-hand and streamline everything, which saves you time.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Instagram engagement. It is a weak point for me and something I would like to grow in.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
To grow our online presence and start local small business training for others looking for a new career. We are building content and working with business owners to make sure the right questions are getting answered.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @rescuedfurnishings
Twitter @rfurnishings
Facebook @stl.RescuedFurnishings
Facebook Group powertoolsprettythings
Website www.rescuedfurnishings.com
Email info@rescuedfurnishings.com