Meet Caroline G. | Giveaway!

{blog // fb // twitter}

Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Carrie and I live in North Carolina. I'm a former preschool teacher turned business owner. After two years of teaching, and a year of running a business simultaneously, I realized my heart was way more into my business than it was into teaching. I loved all the children I had and the experiences I got, but it was time to leave. I now work full-time for myself and am slowly learning the ropes of the trade as I go.

What made you interested in being a small business owner?
I think its something I've secretly always wanted to do. I grew up making crafts and sewing. I remember at one point I taught myself how to sew teeny tiny teddy bears and I would spend hours with fabric, needle, and thread creating away. Also, I've always been over the top girly, so making bows, tutus, and all things frilly seemed to fit my personality perfectly.

When did you open your shop?
I opened my shop locally in March of 2010 and sold to friends, family, and craft shows. I launched the online store January 1st of 2011.

Do you take any custom orders?
I absolutely take custom orders. In fact they are some of my favorite things to do because I get to know the customer on a more personal level. I've designed custom bows to match school uniforms, family portraits, birthday girl outfits, and wedding parties.

What's your favorite item that you've created?
I have lots of favorites, but I think the double chiffon headband is my favorite at this point.What's the best piece of advice you have for other small business owners out there?
Have faith in yourself and believe in what you sell. If you don't believe in yourself, why should anyone else? Also, don't be afraid to take risks. I'm very type A and not a risk taker, but the small risks I've taken have paid off and encouraged me to take bigger ones.

Isn't she great!?! Well the wonderful Carrie, from Caroline G., is sweet enough to giveaway a $20 store credit to one lucky JFTB reader! Also? All customers can receive 20% off their purchase the month of July with code: JENNI20. Happy Shopping!!

Mandatory Entries:
(1) Visit Caroline G. and tell us what you would use your store credit for if you win! Don't forget to come back and leave a comment here with your email address!

Optional Entries: {leave a separate comment for each thing that you do!}
(2) Become a Facebook fan of Caroline G. by clicking "Like"! - don't forget to come back and comment that you're now a FB fan!!

(3) Become a Facebook fan of jenni from the blog by clicking "Like"! - don't forget to come back and comment that you're now a FB fan!!

(4) Become a Twitter follower of @carolinegbows - don't forget to come back and comment that you're now a follower and leave your @ name!

(5) Become a Twitter follower of @jennifrmtheblog - don't forget to come back and comment that you're now a follower and leave your @ name!

(6) Become a public Google Friend Connect follower of the blog and leave a comment saying that you're my newest follower! If you already follow, just comment saying that you've been around for a while =)

This giveaway will end on July 29th at 11pm EST and the winners will be randomly selected and announced shortly after.

Good luck! =)

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