How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business Partnership with Susan Mocker & Devon Cretella

Retail Online Training


Mar 20, 2023

Show Notes 

I often get asked my thoughts on going into business
with friends and honestly, I have seen it succeed and I’ve seen it
go sideways. Today, we are going to focus on the good. I’m
interviewing Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella, owners of Extending Grace, a home decor
shop in Hubbard, Ohio. They are sharing partnership advice and what
worked for them and how two friends turned a shared creative hobby
into a successful retail business partnership.

 

What Has Worked in Business for Susan and Devon

 

  1. They are business partners whose
    skill sets compliment each other. Susan is great at social media
    and “front end” tasks while Devon takes on more behind-the-scenes
    tasks.

  2. Susan and Devon trust each other’s
    decision making. They started their business with a shared belief
    that both of their intentions are good and that they are always
    working toward the same end goal. 

  3. Neither is afraid to speak up when
    something isn’t working and both are willing to try new things.

  4. Every year, they get away from
    their shop for an annual planning retreat. They plan Extending
    Grace’s year with intention away from home and their shop to avoid
    distractions.

 

“Write it in pencil because business is flexible.”

 

  1. They have an intense focus on
    building and collaborating with their community. In the episode,
    you will hear them explain their incredible success with their own
    workshops, the online platform “CommentSold,” and bringing in
    outside teachers to host workshops in their store (for free!).

  2. Both Susan and Devon knew when the
    time was right to start their business and how to balance life with
    work. (HINT: It wasn’t the first time the idea came to them!)

Advice for Friends Who Want to Go into Business
Together

 

  1. Put everything in writing.

  2. Try working together first: learn
    how the other person operates and be sure your styles compliment
    each other.

  3. Picture the partnership as a
    marriage: Can you move together in the same direction toward the
    same goal?

  4. Be willing to make adjustments
    when things aren’t working and shifts when things are working very
    well.

  5. Don’t be afraid to ask advice from
    people/mentors you trust.

 

About Susan and Devon:

Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella are the co-owners of
Extending Grace in Hubbard, Ohio.

Friends since the 90’s, we opened the store in 2016.
Both of us love all things vintage & creative, and our store
reflects that.

Customers experience a home décor shop with a focus on
antiques, vintage, DIY and the work of local artists and
collectors.

We love hanging out with our customers and neighbors
during workshops, events, and community projects.


You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and on their
CommentSold
Webs

 

Full show notes here https://wendybatten.com/149-2/

 



Retail Online Training