For Sarah, life–and the objects that fill it–are richer with a healthy dose of whimsy. After spending time traveling and taking in the colors of the world, she envisioned creating a space where she can curate a collection of locally and globally made lifestyle goods while sharing the stories of the makers behind them. In 2023, she opened Soundwoven Goods, a community orientated retail experience that believes great design lives at the intersection of color, form, and function.
She independently navigated the initial steps of starting her business–working with artists, sourcing products, finding a storefront to display and sell the collection–all while working full-time at a local nonprofit. But she reached a point where sustainability became a concern, and the looming weight of credit card interest accruing from startup costs overshadowed what the future of Soundwoven could be.
That’s when she connected with WomenVenture. Sarah enrolled in Launched & Growing, a cohort style training course designed to support current business owners scale with confidence. She learned that she didn’t have to go through her business journey alone and worked with trusted mentors to write a business plan, forecast revenue, concentrate on financial literacy, and set realistic goals for the venture she was creating.
During these sessions, Sarah found funding opportunities through WomenVenture’s lending program and used the business plan she developed to apply for a loan.
“Between the loan and the Launched and Growing course, they were really pivotal in helping us move to this new – much larger – location downtown.”
Since relocating to its new retail space, Soundwoven has seen increased foot traffic and visibility, helping to scale up her business in a way that wouldn’t have been possible in its starting location. Monthly sales have already doubled, and the shop now has even more space to host procured showroom inventory like furniture and lighting.
During this new chapter, Sarah has been able to pour more energy into thinking strategically about the future and continues to work with WomenVenture, utilizing post-loan consulting services to stay on track with her goals and stay empowered as a business owner. She’s hired part-time staff to help manage day-to-day operations, including community building activities like workshops and gatherings that will further her network of members who share her vision and celebrate independent makers.
“The loan allowed me to pay off the credit card debt that I had incurred from opening the business without external funding,” Sarah shares. “Not having that stress has really helped me see the potential for Soundwoven and to keep dreaming and really being an anchor in the community.”
WomenVenture is proud to support amazing entrepreneurs like Sarah, who not only believe in the success of their own passions, but are motivated to showcase and celebrate the talents of others. You can join Sarah’s business and community of creators by shopping for thoughtfully made products that enrich everyday life at Soundwoven Goods in the North Loop Neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis.
Author: Heather Cook, WomenVenture Marketing Manager
