201. Emily Sikora on Growing Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading

About the Guest:

Emily Sikora\ Emily Sikora is a dynamic entrepreneur and the owner of two flourishing businesses, Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading. With a background in exercise science and occupational therapy, Emily transitioned from the healthcare industry to the world of fashion and online commerce. She founded Gray Bird Label in 2016, which has grown from an online boutique to a manufacturer and wholesaler of fashion accessories across the globe. Alongside Johnny Bragg, Emily also co-owns TriStar Trading, a merchandise business catering to YouTubers and online influencers. Her journey showcases her adaptability, drive, and resourcefulness in navigating business challenges and scaling her ventures.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Emily Sikora, a successful entrepreneur from Johnson City, to discuss her journey and the growth of her businesses, Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading. They begin by reflecting on the local charm of Johnson City, with Emily highlighting how her appreciation for the area grew as she started raising her children there. She particularly enjoys the vibrant community, good schools, and numerous festivals and events.

Emily delves into the origins of Gray Bird Label, which started as an online boutique selling women's clothes and accessories. She explains how the business scaled rapidly, transitioning from Facebook groups to an online store with both an app and a website. Facing the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted Gray Bird into manufacturing and wholesaling unique fashion accessories like earrings, purses, and bathrobes to stores across the country and the world. Emily also talks about her other venture, TriStar Trading, which she co-founded with Johnny Bragg to provide merchandise for YouTubers. The episode is a deep dive into Emily’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with actionable insights and inspiration for aspiring business owners.

Key Takeaways:

• Adapt and Pivot: Emily’s successful transition from retail to wholesale manufacturing highlights the importance of adaptability in business.
• Leveraging Social Media: Connecting with manufacturers and customers through platforms like Instagram can significantly foster business growth.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Emily shares how entrepreneurship allows her to maintain a flexible schedule that accommodates both her business and family needs.
• Community Support: Building a strong local customer base can facilitate initial business growth and sustain long-term success.
• Business Partnerships: Effective collaboration, as seen with TriStar Trading, can bring complementary strengths together and drive a business forward.

Notable Quotes:

• "I needed a little more for my brain than just being home all the time."
• "A lot of the stuff that I worked really hard learning with Gray Bird, I've been able to put into use with TriStar."
• "It's a balancing act. You gotta think really, at least probably, six months out."
• "There is not a manual for how to start and run a business. It just doesn’t exist."
• "I have a heart for other people that are interested in owning a business. I don't think that you have that inkling inside of you for no reason."

Resources:

• Gray Bird Label Website
• Gray Bird Label Instagram
• TriStar Trading Website
• TriStar Trading Instagram

For an in-depth look at Emily’s entrepreneurial insights and to hear more about her journey, tune into the full episode. Stay tuned to the podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice from local business leaders.