My mother-in-law turned $10K into $1,000,000/yr

So, how do you create a multi-million So, how do you create a multi-million dollar business starting with only dollar business starting with only dollar business starting with only $10,000 without having much of a plan, $10,000 without having much of a plan, $10,000 without having much of a plan, without doing a lot of research, without without doing a lot of research, without without doing a lot of research, without even knowing how to use Shopify or even knowing how to use Shopify or even knowing how to use Shopify or basically you had to learn the internet basically you had to learn the internet basically you had to learn the internet from scratch? Well, we have talked about from scratch? Well, we have talked about from scratch? Well, we have talked about this a little bit on this podcast, but I this a little bit on this podcast, but I this a little bit on this podcast, but I finally wanted to do an episode with a finally wanted to do an episode with a finally wanted to do an episode with a very special person, my mother-in-law. very special person, my mother-in-law. very special person, my mother-in-law. So, about 5 years ago, my mother-in-law So, about 5 years ago, my mother-in-law So, about 5 years ago, my mother-in-law sat me down. She goes, "Sam, I have this sat me down. She goes, "Sam, I have this sat me down. She goes, "Sam, I have this idea for a business. I want to start idea for a business. I want to start idea for a business. I want to start this pillow company. Can you teach me this pillow company. Can you teach me this pillow company. Can you teach me how to do it?" I gave the most generic how to do it?" I gave the most generic how to do it?" I gave the most generic advice ever on how to do it, not advice ever on how to do it, not advice ever on how to do it, not expecting her to do anything. Turns out expecting her to do anything. Turns out expecting her to do anything. Turns out she listened and she Googled and found she listened and she Googled and found she listened and she Googled and found actually significantly better advice. actually significantly better advice. actually significantly better advice. And she built a company that is now And she built a company that is now And she built a company that is now making millions a year in revenue. She making millions a year in revenue. She making millions a year in revenue. She started it in her early 50s and it's started it in her early 50s and it's started it in her early 50s and it's killing it. And after years of just kind killing it. And after years of just kind killing it. And after years of just kind of quietly chugging along and building of quietly chugging along and building of quietly chugging along and building this epic business, I asked my this epic business, I asked my this epic business, I asked my mother-in-law Smithy Sodine to come on mother-in-law Smithy Sodine to come on mother-in-law Smithy Sodine to come on the pod and give her story. If you are the pod and give her story. If you are the pod and give her story. If you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s and you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s and you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s and you are thinking about starting a business and thinking about starting a business and thinking about starting a business and you're sort of overthinking, you're not you're sort of overthinking, you're not you're sort of overthinking, you're not sure what to do or even if you're in sure what to do or even if you're in sure what to do or even if you're in your 20s and you want to figure out how your 20s and you want to figure out how your 20s and you want to figure out how to change your life, this is probably to change your life, this is probably to change your life, this is probably the most relatable and I think the most relatable and I think the most relatable and I think inspirational episodes that we have ever inspirational episodes that we have ever inspirational episodes that we have ever done. So, it's a very special episode done. So, it's a very special episode done. So, it's a very special episode for me for obvious reasons. I love her for me for obvious reasons. I love her for me for obvious reasons. I love her to death, but I think you guys are going to death, but I think you guys are going to death, but I think you guys are going to like it. Check it out. >> So, let me set the stage here, Smithy. >> So, let me set the stage here, Smithy. Okay, Okay, Okay, >> do you even listen to the podcast? >> do you even listen to the podcast? >> do you even listen to the podcast? >> I do. I do. U listen to some episodes. >> I do. I do. U listen to some episodes. >> I do. I do. U listen to some episodes. >> All right. So, the story is this. >> All right. So, the story is this. >> All right. So, the story is this. Basically, you came over uh in your Basically, you came over uh in your Basically, you came over uh in your early teens as an immigrant. You had early teens as an immigrant. You had early teens as an immigrant. You had some kids and you were a stay at home some kids and you were a stay at home some kids and you were a stay at home mom and then the kids grew up and you mom and then the kids grew up and you mom and then the kids grew up and you were like, "Well, I'm not really sure were like, "Well, I'm not really sure were like, "Well, I'm not really sure what to do next." And so, you kind of what to do next." And so, you kind of what to do next." And so, you kind of were like trying a bunch of different were like trying a bunch of different were like trying a bunch of different stuff. I think at one point you got your stuff. I think at one point you got your stuff. I think at one point you got your real estate license and you did real estate license and you did real estate license and you did something a lot of people want or they something a lot of people want or they something a lot of people want or they think about. They think like, "I want to think about. They think like, "I want to think about. They think like, "I want to start something. I want to like do start something. I want to like do start something. I want to like do something." and you thought about it for something." and you thought about it for something." and you thought about it for a couple years, I think, and then all of a couple years, I think, and then all of a couple years, I think, and then all of a sudden, we had a conversation and you a sudden, we had a conversation and you a sudden, we had a conversation and you basically told me what you were going to basically told me what you were going to basically told me what you were going to do. And I wasn't sure if I even believed do. And I wasn't sure if I even believed do. And I wasn't sure if I even believed that you were going to do it, but that you were going to do it, but that you were going to do it, but basically, you were like, I'm going to basically, you were like, I'm going to basically, you were like, I'm going to start a pillow business. You had done start a pillow business. You had done start a pillow business. You had done zero research. You didn't do any market zero research. You didn't do any market zero research. You didn't do any market research. And then all of a sudden, 2 research. And then all of a sudden, 2 research. And then all of a sudden, 2 weeks later, you have this online store. weeks later, you have this online store. weeks later, you have this online store. And before I know it, you had a bunch of And before I know it, you had a bunch of And before I know it, you had a bunch of sales. And now, after doing this for 6 sales. And now, after doing this for 6 sales. And now, after doing this for 6 years, you've made multiple millions in years, you've made multiple millions in years, you've made multiple millions in revenue. I don't know if you want to say revenue. I don't know if you want to say revenue. I don't know if you want to say what it is or you know you could say the what it is or you know you could say the what it is or you know you could say the numbers but you built like a sevenf numbers but you built like a sevenf numbers but you built like a sevenf figureure business without any internet figureure business without any internet figureure business without any internet experience or any research. We talked experience or any research. We talked experience or any research. We talked about you on the podcast and that was about you on the podcast and that was about you on the podcast and that was pretty cool and a lot of people have pretty cool and a lot of people have pretty cool and a lot of people have asked and so we have Smithy here who's asked and so we have Smithy here who's asked and so we have Smithy here who's actually my mother-in-law. actually my mother-in-law. actually my mother-in-law. >> Well, okay, I'll just change a few >> Well, okay, I'll just change a few >> Well, okay, I'll just change a few little bits of information in that little bits of information in that little bits of information in that summary. So, I came to the US with my summary. So, I came to the US with my summary. So, I came to the US with my family when I was 16 years old. So, it family when I was 16 years old. So, it family when I was 16 years old. So, it was in 1983. was in 1983. was in 1983. We lived in Miami for a couple of years We lived in Miami for a couple of years We lived in Miami for a couple of years and then I wind up going to school in and then I wind up going to school in and then I wind up going to school in New York City. I wanted to be in the New York City. I wanted to be in the New York City. I wanted to be in the fashion industry. Sewing has always been fashion industry. Sewing has always been fashion industry. Sewing has always been a passion of mine. So I've my a passion of mine. So I've my a passion of mine. So I've my grandparents sewed and my mom did. So I grandparents sewed and my mom did. So I grandparents sewed and my mom did. So I learned from them and then I wind up learned from them and then I wind up learned from them and then I wind up just liking it. It was just a way to just liking it. It was just a way to just liking it. It was just a way to express um myself, my creativity. I made express um myself, my creativity. I made express um myself, my creativity. I made clothes for myself and then I wanted to clothes for myself and then I wanted to clothes for myself and then I wanted to go to fashion institute of technology to go to fashion institute of technology to go to fashion institute of technology to study fashion. So I wind up being um study fashion. So I wind up being um study fashion. So I wind up being um majoring in pattern making. I also had majoring in pattern making. I also had majoring in pattern making. I also had to work full-time and while I was going to work full-time and while I was going to work full-time and while I was going to school part-time so I never graduated to school part-time so I never graduated to school part-time so I never graduated from FIT. from FIT. from FIT. >> I didn't know you went to FIT. That's >> I didn't know you went to FIT. That's >> I didn't know you went to FIT. That's pretty cool. pretty cool. pretty cool. >> Yes, I went to FIT for about a couple of >> Yes, I went to FIT for about a couple of >> Yes, I went to FIT for about a couple of years, maybe two, three years part-time. years, maybe two, three years part-time. years, maybe two, three years part-time. I was really close to graduation. Um I was really close to graduation. Um I was really close to graduation. Um then I got married, had a child, your then I got married, had a child, your then I got married, had a child, your wife, and decided that I wanted to move wife, and decided that I wanted to move wife, and decided that I wanted to move uh out of New York City. So, and we uh out of New York City. So, and we uh out of New York City. So, and we moved to the suburbs, and there was no moved to the suburbs, and there was no moved to the suburbs, and there was no fashion industry in the suburbs, and I fashion industry in the suburbs, and I fashion industry in the suburbs, and I really didn't want to travel back and really didn't want to travel back and really didn't want to travel back and forth um to work in the city. Um then I forth um to work in the city. Um then I forth um to work in the city. Um then I stayed at home. I became a stay-at-home stayed at home. I became a stay-at-home stayed at home. I became a stay-at-home mom for about three or four years. Then mom for about three or four years. Then mom for about three or four years. Then I realized, oh wow, I'm raising a child, I realized, oh wow, I'm raising a child, I realized, oh wow, I'm raising a child, but I don't have enough information to but I don't have enough information to but I don't have enough information to raise her. What am I going to do? Like raise her. What am I going to do? Like raise her. What am I going to do? Like when she needs knowledge, how am I going when she needs knowledge, how am I going when she needs knowledge, how am I going to help her? And so on. I'm like, okay, to help her? And so on. I'm like, okay, to help her? And so on. I'm like, okay, fine. I'll go to school to become a fine. I'll go to school to become a fine. I'll go to school to become a teacher. So I went to school, major, did teacher. So I went to school, major, did teacher. So I went to school, major, did a dual major English lit and education. a dual major English lit and education. a dual major English lit and education. I actually went to school for 10 years I actually went to school for 10 years I actually went to school for 10 years while I was raising my kids and act wind while I was raising my kids and act wind while I was raising my kids and act wind up with a master's degree in up with a master's degree in up with a master's degree in linguistics. then it really helped um linguistics. then it really helped um linguistics. then it really helped um having children but I always sewed or having children but I always sewed or having children but I always sewed or did alterations for my neighbors and did alterations for my neighbors and did alterations for my neighbors and they were vests were in style in the 19 they were vests were in style in the 19 they were vests were in style in the 19 uh 90s. So I made vest and sold them on uh 90s. So I made vest and sold them on uh 90s. So I made vest and sold them on on the side. So I was always sewing on the side. So I was always sewing on the side. So I was always sewing doing something in that field. So when I doing something in that field. So when I doing something in that field. So when I started teaching, I thought for a while started teaching, I thought for a while started teaching, I thought for a while my husband and I own a business for sure my husband and I own a business for sure my husband and I own a business for sure um I helped out and then when the um I helped out and then when the um I helped out and then when the business was winding down, I was like, business was winding down, I was like, business was winding down, I was like, "Oh, I really needed to work to keep "Oh, I really needed to work to keep "Oh, I really needed to work to keep working. I was just too young to working. I was just too young to working. I was just too young to retire." So I I really brainstorm retire." So I I really brainstorm retire." So I I really brainstorm ideas and then pillows just just kept ideas and then pillows just just kept ideas and then pillows just just kept coming back to me because my friends coming back to me because my friends coming back to me because my friends always asked me to make them for for always asked me to make them for for always asked me to make them for for them. I made them for my sisters. I made them. I made them for my sisters. I made them. I made them for my sisters. I made them for everybody. So I'm like, "Okay, them for everybody. So I'm like, "Okay, them for everybody. So I'm like, "Okay, pillows." You know, it was funny because pillows." You know, it was funny because pillows." You know, it was funny because everyone kept discouraging me. They're everyone kept discouraging me. They're everyone kept discouraging me. They're saying, "Why would you want to sell saying, "Why would you want to sell saying, "Why would you want to sell pillows? How many pillows can you sell? pillows? How many pillows can you sell? pillows? How many pillows can you sell? This is ridiculous. Nobody buys This is ridiculous. Nobody buys This is ridiculous. Nobody buys pillows." But I bought a ton of them and pillows." But I bought a ton of them and pillows." But I bought a ton of them and made a ton of them. So, I know women made a ton of them. So, I know women made a ton of them. So, I know women like them and people in general like like them and people in general like like them and people in general like them. them. them. >> And when you're saying pillows, like >> And when you're saying pillows, like >> And when you're saying pillows, like when you said pillows, to me, I was when you said pillows, to me, I was when you said pillows, to me, I was thinking like pillows I put my head on thinking like pillows I put my head on thinking like pillows I put my head on at night and go to bed. You're talking at night and go to bed. You're talking at night and go to bed. You're talking about like fancy decorative pillows, about like fancy decorative pillows, about like fancy decorative pillows, like throw pillows. like throw pillows. like throw pillows. >> Okay. Yes, you're right. I should >> Okay. Yes, you're right. I should >> Okay. Yes, you're right. I should correct that. I made decorative pillows. correct that. I made decorative pillows. correct that. I made decorative pillows. the couch pillows, the sofa pillows, and the couch pillows, the sofa pillows, and the couch pillows, the sofa pillows, and also the decorative bed pillows that also the decorative bed pillows that also the decorative bed pillows that people used. So, I thought to myself, people used. So, I thought to myself, people used. So, I thought to myself, well, I really don't want to sell well, I really don't want to sell well, I really don't want to sell millions of pillows. I just wanted to millions of pillows. I just wanted to millions of pillows. I just wanted to sell enough. sell enough. sell enough. >> And I also wanted to keep myself engaged >> And I also wanted to keep myself engaged >> And I also wanted to keep myself engaged in something that I was passionate in something that I was passionate in something that I was passionate about. I was passionate about working about. I was passionate about working about. I was passionate about working with textile, looking at fabric, with textile, looking at fabric, with textile, looking at fabric, shopping for them. I had closets full of shopping for them. I had closets full of shopping for them. I had closets full of them. So, um, that's what I wind up them. So, um, that's what I wind up them. So, um, that's what I wind up doing. It was definitely tricky because doing. It was definitely tricky because doing. It was definitely tricky because I knew how to sew and I knew how to shop I knew how to sew and I knew how to shop I knew how to sew and I knew how to shop for the fabric. I had a pretty good eye for the fabric. I had a pretty good eye for the fabric. I had a pretty good eye for interior design. The problem was I for interior design. The problem was I for interior design. The problem was I had no knowledge of an online business. had no knowledge of an online business. had no knowledge of an online business. The technology part was a problem. So, I The technology part was a problem. So, I The technology part was a problem. So, I had I had to really learn a lot in order had I had to really learn a lot in order had I had to really learn a lot in order to open an online store. to open an online store. to open an online store. for the listener. Um, and Ari, if you for the listener. Um, and Ari, if you for the listener. Um, and Ari, if you want to see this as well, Google. Okay, want to see this as well, Google. Okay, want to see this as well, Google. Okay, so Smithy's name is S M I T H E, but she so Smithy's name is S M I T H E, but she so Smithy's name is S M I T H E, but she spelled it smithy with a Y. So the word spelled it smithy with a Y. So the word spelled it smithy with a Y. So the word Smith and then a Y. Smith and then a Y. Smith and then a Y. >> Smithy home couture. You guys got to >> Smithy home couture. You guys got to >> Smithy home couture. You guys got to Google that right now. And if you go to Google that right now. And if you go to Google that right now. And if you go to it, you'll see your website, but more it, you'll see your website, but more it, you'll see your website, but more importantly, click the Etsy link. And importantly, click the Etsy link. And importantly, click the Etsy link. And I'm not looking at it now, but I'm going I'm not looking at it now, but I'm going I'm not looking at it now, but I'm going off memory. I think it says that you off memory. I think it says that you off memory. I think it says that you have sold or you've had 17,000 orders. have sold or you've had 17,000 orders. have sold or you've had 17,000 orders. And those orders could be multiple And those orders could be multiple And those orders could be multiple pillows. And the reviews are like 4.9 pillows. And the reviews are like 4.9 pillows. And the reviews are like 4.9 out of five stars and it's like three or out of five stars and it's like three or out of five stars and it's like three or four or 5,000 reviews. Is that right? four or 5,000 reviews. Is that right? four or 5,000 reviews. Is that right? >> I have very very very good reviews. I >> I have very very very good reviews. I >> I have very very very good reviews. I think there multiple aspects of the think there multiple aspects of the think there multiple aspects of the business. There's a consultant um side business. There's a consultant um side business. There's a consultant um side of it where I help people select pillows of it where I help people select pillows of it where I help people select pillows for their homes. There's another side of for their homes. There's another side of for their homes. There's another side of it where you actually have to it where you actually have to it where you actually have to manufacture the pillows. We get an manufacture the pillows. We get an manufacture the pillows. We get an order, I make the pillows, pack and ship order, I make the pillows, pack and ship order, I make the pillows, pack and ship to the client. But you also I have to the client. But you also I have to the client. But you also I have customer you know the customer service customer you know the customer service customer you know the customer service you have to it's a service to the you have to it's a service to the you have to it's a service to the client. So I really try to maintain a client. So I really try to maintain a client. So I really try to maintain a relationship with my clients. I I treat relationship with my clients. I I treat relationship with my clients. I I treat them the way that I want to be treated. them the way that I want to be treated. them the way that I want to be treated. So I respond to their questions right So I respond to their questions right So I respond to their questions right away. If there's a they request away. If there's a they request away. If there's a they request something that I cannot do, I make sure something that I cannot do, I make sure something that I cannot do, I make sure that it expressed them. Hey, I can do that it expressed them. Hey, I can do that it expressed them. Hey, I can do that. So um let's try something else. or that. So um let's try something else. or that. So um let's try something else. or maybe I might even recommend somewhere maybe I might even recommend somewhere maybe I might even recommend somewhere else for them to find a product that else for them to find a product that else for them to find a product that they're looking for. So customer service they're looking for. So customer service they're looking for. So customer service is really important to me because I want is really important to me because I want is really important to me because I want to be treated well. The the reviews are to be treated well. The the reviews are to be treated well. The the reviews are a reflection of that. a reflection of that. a reflection of that. >> Yeah, they're crazy high. And right now, >> Yeah, they're crazy high. And right now, >> Yeah, they're crazy high. And right now, just so so people have context, right just so so people have context, right just so so people have context, right now I think you have I don't know how now I think you have I don't know how now I think you have I don't know how many employees you have, four or five or many employees you have, four or five or many employees you have, four or five or six. How many do you have? six. How many do you have? six. How many do you have? >> Um so I they're really all >> Um so I they're really all >> Um so I they're really all subcontractors. I use about five to six subcontractors. I use about five to six subcontractors. I use about five to six subcontractors. Yeah. And you have like subcontractors. Yeah. And you have like subcontractors. Yeah. And you have like a I don't know what you call it, an a I don't know what you call it, an a I don't know what you call it, an office, a work space where you have I've office, a work space where you have I've office, a work space where you have I've been there. And you have these five or been there. And you have these five or been there. And you have these five or six or six. six or six. six or six. >> I have a work room. >> I have a work room. >> I have a work room. >> A work room. And you're just sewing the >> A work room. And you're just sewing the >> A work room. And you're just sewing the like I think people It's pretty cool like I think people It's pretty cool like I think people It's pretty cool because I think a lot of people because I think a lot of people because I think a lot of people listening to this, they're like, "Oh, listening to this, they're like, "Oh, listening to this, they're like, "Oh, I'm going to go like find something I'm going to go like find something I'm going to go like find something online and just resell it." You have online and just resell it." You have online and just resell it." You have five or six people in there with sewing five or six people in there with sewing five or six people in there with sewing machines and you're and and you're machines and you're and and you're machines and you're and and you're sewing them. Like you guys are actually sewing them. Like you guys are actually sewing them. Like you guys are actually And so like a lot of people uh brag And so like a lot of people uh brag And so like a lot of people uh brag about made in America, which I love. I about made in America, which I love. I about made in America, which I love. I love made in America stuff, but you're love made in America stuff, but you're love made in America stuff, but you're like making all this in New Jersey. This like making all this in New Jersey. This like making all this in New Jersey. This is just like it's just a crazy how is just like it's just a crazy how is just like it's just a crazy how straightforward you made this process straightforward you made this process straightforward you made this process and it has worked really really well. and it has worked really really well. and it has worked really really well. >> It's very simple. We don't stock pillow >> It's very simple. We don't stock pillow >> It's very simple. We don't stock pillow covers. We don't stock them. We stock covers. We don't stock them. We stock covers. We don't stock them. We stock fabrics. So I have about 400 different fabrics. So I have about 400 different fabrics. So I have about 400 different rolls of fabrics in my workroom. Um rolls of fabrics in my workroom. Um rolls of fabrics in my workroom. Um someone places an order and we make the someone places an order and we make the someone places an order and we make the pillow that day or that week. We ship pillow that day or that week. We ship pillow that day or that week. We ship within 3 to 5 days from the time you within 3 to 5 days from the time you within 3 to 5 days from the time you order to making it, packing and ship. order to making it, packing and ship. order to making it, packing and ship. It's pretty simple. I have a people who It's pretty simple. I have a people who It's pretty simple. I have a people who help me with the sewing, but I do all help me with the sewing, but I do all help me with the sewing, but I do all the buying. All the creative side is all the buying. All the creative side is all the buying. All the creative side is all me. And we also make the answer, the me. And we also make the answer, the me. And we also make the answer, the actual what you thinking about the actual what you thinking about the actual what you thinking about the pillows, the stuffing. We also make them pillows, the stuffing. We also make them pillows, the stuffing. We also make them there and pack them and and ship. It was there and pack them and and ship. It was there and pack them and and ship. It was so simple to start this business in so simple to start this business in so simple to start this business in terms of uh financial investment. I terms of uh financial investment. I terms of uh financial investment. I started it with $10,000 and I've never started it with $10,000 and I've never started it with $10,000 and I've never invested another penny in it. invested another penny in it. invested another penny in it. >> All right. So, a lot of people watch and >> All right. So, a lot of people watch and >> All right. So, a lot of people watch and listen to this show because they want to listen to this show because they want to listen to this show because they want to hear us just tell them exactly what to hear us just tell them exactly what to hear us just tell them exactly what to do when it comes to starting or growing do when it comes to starting or growing do when it comes to starting or growing a business. Now, a lot of people message a business. Now, a lot of people message a business. Now, a lot of people message Sean and I and they say, "All right, I Sean and I and they say, "All right, I Sean and I and they say, "All right, I want to start something on the side. Is want to start something on the side. Is want to start something on the side. Is this a good idea? Is that a good idea?" this a good idea? Is that a good idea?" this a good idea? Is that a good idea?" And again, what they're really just And again, what they're really just And again, what they're really just saying is, "Just give me the ideas." saying is, "Just give me the ideas." saying is, "Just give me the ideas." Well, my friends, you're in luck. So, my Well, my friends, you're in luck. So, my Well, my friends, you're in luck. So, my old company, The Hustle, they put old company, The Hustle, they put old company, The Hustle, they put together a hundred different side hustle together a hundred different side hustle together a hundred different side hustle ideas, and they have appropriately ideas, and they have appropriately ideas, and they have appropriately called it the side hustle idea database. called it the side hustle idea database. called it the side hustle idea database. It's a list of a hundred pretty good It's a list of a hundred pretty good It's a list of a hundred pretty good ideas, frankly. I went through them. ideas, frankly. I went through them. ideas, frankly. I went through them. They're awesome. And it gives you how to They're awesome. And it gives you how to They're awesome. And it gives you how to start them, how to grow them, things start them, how to grow them, things start them, how to grow them, things like that. Gives you a little bit of like that. Gives you a little bit of like that. Gives you a little bit of inspiration. So, check it out. It's inspiration. So, check it out. It's inspiration. So, check it out. It's called the side hustle idea database. called the side hustle idea database. called the side hustle idea database. It's in the description below. You'll It's in the description below. You'll It's in the description below. You'll see the link. Click it. Check it out. see the link. Click it. Check it out. see the link. Click it. Check it out. Let me know in the comments what you Let me know in the comments what you Let me know in the comments what you think. Can I retell the story of how I think. Can I retell the story of how I think. Can I retell the story of how I remember it? And I've probably remember it? And I've probably remember it? And I've probably exaggerated it so many times that I exaggerated it so many times that I exaggerated it so many times that I don't know what is the truth or what's don't know what is the truth or what's don't know what is the truth or what's an exaggeration. And you could tell me an exaggeration. And you could tell me an exaggeration. And you could tell me what is true and what's not. So, what is true and what's not. So, what is true and what's not. So, basically, if I remember correctly, five basically, if I remember correctly, five basically, if I remember correctly, five or six years ago, you drove me to the or six years ago, you drove me to the or six years ago, you drove me to the airport. Uh Sarah and I were still airport. Uh Sarah and I were still airport. Uh Sarah and I were still living, I think, in San Francisco or living, I think, in San Francisco or living, I think, in San Francisco or Austin, I don't remember. And I was Austin, I don't remember. And I was Austin, I don't remember. And I was there by myself on a work trip, and you there by myself on a work trip, and you there by myself on a work trip, and you drove me. I was like, "Why do you want drove me. I was like, "Why do you want drove me. I was like, "Why do you want to drive me?" And you're like, "I want to drive me?" And you're like, "I want to drive me?" And you're like, "I want to talk to you about something." I was to talk to you about something." I was to talk to you about something." I was like, "What do you want to talk about?" like, "What do you want to talk about?" like, "What do you want to talk about?" And you're like, "I want to start this And you're like, "I want to start this And you're like, "I want to start this pillow thing, a pillow business. Can you pillow thing, a pillow business. Can you pillow thing, a pillow business. Can you like just like tell me anything you like just like tell me anything you like just like tell me anything you think I should know?" And I was like, think I should know?" And I was like, think I should know?" And I was like, "Oh, wow. Okay. Well, and in my head I "Oh, wow. Okay. Well, and in my head I "Oh, wow. Okay. Well, and in my head I was thinking this is just another was thinking this is just another was thinking this is just another conversation that I've had tens of conversation that I've had tens of conversation that I've had tens of thousands of times where someone tells thousands of times where someone tells thousands of times where someone tells me something they're going to do and me something they're going to do and me something they're going to do and they're never going to do it. Uh, but I they're never going to do it. Uh, but I they're never going to do it. Uh, but I was like, "Okay, well, I'll just like I was like, "Okay, well, I'll just like I was like, "Okay, well, I'll just like I said, I don't really know anything about said, I don't really know anything about said, I don't really know anything about like ecom, but I could just tell you like ecom, but I could just tell you like ecom, but I could just tell you like what this thing called Shopify is like what this thing called Shopify is like what this thing called Shopify is and I could tell you that you probably and I could tell you that you probably and I could tell you that you probably might want to buy some ads and you might want to buy some ads and you might want to buy some ads and you probably want to do this." I gave you probably want to do this." I gave you probably want to do this." I gave you the most generic thing ever that you the most generic thing ever that you the most generic thing ever that you could just have Googled and then two could just have Googled and then two could just have Googled and then two weeks later I get a link to I think it weeks later I get a link to I think it weeks later I get a link to I think it was your a website or an Etsy store and was your a website or an Etsy store and was your a website or an Etsy store and I was like, "Oh, this person has a I was like, "Oh, this person has a I was like, "Oh, this person has a company named exactly what you were company named exactly what you were company named exactly what you were going to name your company." And you're going to name your company." And you're going to name your company." And you're like, "Oh, no. This is mine. I did what like, "Oh, no. This is mine. I did what like, "Oh, no. This is mine. I did what you said. I created an Etsy or I think a you said. I created an Etsy or I think a you said. I created an Etsy or I think a Shopify store, something like that, Woo Shopify store, something like that, Woo Shopify store, something like that, Woo Commerce, and I flew down to North Commerce, and I flew down to North Commerce, and I flew down to North Carolina and I bought a bunch of fabrics Carolina and I bought a bunch of fabrics Carolina and I bought a bunch of fabrics and uh I am now getting my friends to and uh I am now getting my friends to and uh I am now getting my friends to buy the stuff to give me a good review." buy the stuff to give me a good review." buy the stuff to give me a good review." And that's where we are. Is that right? And that's where we are. Is that right? And that's where we are. Is that right? >> That's basically how it happened. I >> That's basically how it happened. I >> That's basically how it happened. I wanted to understand what an e-commerce wanted to understand what an e-commerce wanted to understand what an e-commerce entails because again, I know how to entails because again, I know how to entails because again, I know how to sew, but someone my age or most people sew, but someone my age or most people sew, but someone my age or most people my age have a very hard time my age have a very hard time my age have a very hard time understanding e the e-commerce concept understanding e the e-commerce concept understanding e the e-commerce concept and all the lingo that goes along with and all the lingo that goes along with and all the lingo that goes along with it like what is SEO, what is, you know, it like what is SEO, what is, you know, it like what is SEO, what is, you know, conversion rates, you know, all all this conversion rates, you know, all all this conversion rates, you know, all all this stuff. So I wanted to understand from stuff. So I wanted to understand from stuff. So I wanted to understand from your perspective what you understood and your perspective what you understood and your perspective what you understood and really should I buy ads or not like what really should I buy ads or not like what really should I buy ads or not like what is this exactly and I was able to pick is this exactly and I was able to pick is this exactly and I was able to pick your brand and I got a lot of your brand and I got a lot of your brand and I got a lot of information about it and al also I information about it and al also I information about it and al also I needed encouragement from from people needed encouragement from from people needed encouragement from from people who were um maybe young entrepreneurs who were um maybe young entrepreneurs who were um maybe young entrepreneurs people who were doing it uh and you were people who were doing it uh and you were people who were doing it uh and you were you were always creating new companies you were always creating new companies you were always creating new companies you're always talking about businesses you're always talking about businesses you're always talking about businesses what you're up to so I I wanted I wanted what you're up to so I I wanted I wanted what you're up to so I I wanted I wanted some encouragement and and you provided some encouragement and and you provided some encouragement and and you provided that. That was cool. that. That was cool. that. That was cool. >> How did your first customers find you? >> How did your first customers find you? >> How did your first customers find you? >> So, Etsy is a wonderful platform. Um, >> So, Etsy is a wonderful platform. Um, >> So, Etsy is a wonderful platform. Um, Etsy made it pretty easy. At the Etsy made it pretty easy. At the Etsy made it pretty easy. At the beginning, you're right. I want I needed beginning, you're right. I want I needed beginning, you're right. I want I needed a couple of reviews. I have sewed for a couple of reviews. I have sewed for a couple of reviews. I have sewed for like so many of my friends and family. like so many of my friends and family. like so many of my friends and family. So, I had to get a couple of people to So, I had to get a couple of people to So, I had to get a couple of people to buy a few pillows and then just write a buy a few pillows and then just write a buy a few pillows and then just write a couple of reviews. But the first time I couple of reviews. But the first time I couple of reviews. But the first time I actually had a client that I have never actually had a client that I have never actually had a client that I have never met met met ordered something, it was amazing. It ordered something, it was amazing. It ordered something, it was amazing. It was exhilarating. I was so excited. And was exhilarating. I was so excited. And was exhilarating. I was so excited. And that feeling that you get like someone that feeling that you get like someone that feeling that you get like someone says, "Hey, you're worth something." So, says, "Hey, you're worth something." So, says, "Hey, you're worth something." So, uh, and then when it kept happening, I I uh, and then when it kept happening, I I uh, and then when it kept happening, I I really kept doing it. It really helped. really kept doing it. It really helped. really kept doing it. It really helped. I started my business in 2020. In I started my business in 2020. In I started my business in 2020. In January 2020, I opened my Etsy store and January 2020, I opened my Etsy store and January 2020, I opened my Etsy store and March 2020. March 2020. March 2020. we shut down for CO. So, CO really we shut down for CO. So, CO really we shut down for CO. So, CO really helped launch my business. Uh I think helped launch my business. Uh I think helped launch my business. Uh I think the first month in January, I sold about the first month in January, I sold about the first month in January, I sold about uh maybe like $300 of pillows. February, uh maybe like $300 of pillows. February, uh maybe like $300 of pillows. February, maybe about $500. But by the end of maybe about $500. But by the end of maybe about $500. But by the end of March, April, I was selling multiple March, April, I was selling multiple March, April, I was selling multiple thousand of pillows. And then the issue thousand of pillows. And then the issue thousand of pillows. And then the issue was I couldn't keep up the demand. I was I couldn't keep up the demand. I was I couldn't keep up the demand. I couldn't make them all by myself. But I couldn't make them all by myself. But I couldn't make them all by myself. But I did for the first nine months I did make did for the first nine months I did make did for the first nine months I did make them all by myself, pack them and ship them all by myself, pack them and ship them all by myself, pack them and ship them and all that. And then eventually I them and all that. And then eventually I them and all that. And then eventually I had to to find help. had to to find help. had to to find help. >> So I'm known on this podcast. It's so >> So I'm known on this podcast. It's so >> So I'm known on this podcast. It's so funny. I have like my home life and then funny. I have like my home life and then funny. I have like my home life and then I got like this like public life and I got like this like public life and I got like this like public life and people on the audience and they they people on the audience and they they people on the audience and they they know me as someone who asks very blunt know me as someone who asks very blunt know me as someone who asks very blunt questions. questions. questions. >> Yes, you do. I know that too. Yeah, >> Yes, you do. I know that too. Yeah, >> Yes, you do. I know that too. Yeah, >> I was like, I'm still going to ask blunt >> I was like, I'm still going to ask blunt >> I was like, I'm still going to ask blunt questions, but I respect you uh to you questions, but I respect you uh to you questions, but I respect you uh to you can you can respectfully tell me, Sam, can you can respectfully tell me, Sam, can you can respectfully tell me, Sam, uh I'm not I'm not answering that, but uh I'm not I'm not answering that, but uh I'm not I'm not answering that, but >> I will definitely do that. >> I will definitely do that. >> I will definitely do that. >> When were you able to pay yourself? >> When were you able to pay yourself? >> When were you able to pay yourself? >> I was able to pay myself the very first >> I was able to pay myself the very first >> I was able to pay myself the very first year. year. year. >> Do you remember how much or you want to >> Do you remember how much or you want to >> Do you remember how much or you want to say how much or no? say how much or no? say how much or no? >> Um I think the first year maybe I made >> Um I think the first year maybe I made >> Um I think the first year maybe I made like $60,000. It wasn't a lot. like $60,000. It wasn't a lot. like $60,000. It wasn't a lot. >> What was the most money you made as a >> What was the most money you made as a >> What was the most money you made as a teacher? teacher? teacher? >> Um probably about $67,000. >> Um probably about $67,000. >> Um probably about $67,000. So you beat your or you matched your So you beat your or you matched your So you beat your or you matched your teaching your your your job in one year. teaching your your your job in one year. teaching your your your job in one year. >> The fir the first year. Yeah. >> The fir the first year. Yeah. >> The fir the first year. Yeah. >> That's pretty awesome. How's that feel? >> That's pretty awesome. How's that feel? >> That's pretty awesome. How's that feel? >> Oh, it was it was great. I did enjoy >> Oh, it was it was great. I did enjoy >> Oh, it was it was great. I did enjoy teaching as well. So I don't regret it. teaching as well. So I don't regret it. teaching as well. So I don't regret it. It was fun. I thought I was rewarding as It was fun. I thought I was rewarding as It was fun. I thought I was rewarding as well. So, but it's nice to be able to do well. So, but it's nice to be able to do well. So, but it's nice to be able to do this and get paid well for doing it. this and get paid well for doing it. this and get paid well for doing it. >> In order to give the viewer and listener >> In order to give the viewer and listener >> In order to give the viewer and listener some context, are you able to say like some context, are you able to say like some context, are you able to say like how much revenue or profit or sales you how much revenue or profit or sales you how much revenue or profit or sales you want to you're going to be doing in 26 want to you're going to be doing in 26 want to you're going to be doing in 26 or 25? or 25? or 25? >> So, I can tell you this in in 2025 >> So, I can tell you this in in 2025 >> So, I can tell you this in in 2025 I my business my revenue grew by 100%. I my business my revenue grew by 100%. I my business my revenue grew by 100%. So we are in a seven figures now in So we are in a seven figures now in So we are in a seven figures now in terms of like profit. I mean we have a I terms of like profit. I mean we have a I terms of like profit. I mean we have a I make a very healthy profit. I'm very make a very healthy profit. I'm very make a very healthy profit. I'm very happy with with the income that I make. happy with with the income that I make. happy with with the income that I make. >> So I I know what it is and I'm not going >> So I I know what it is and I'm not going >> So I I know what it is and I'm not going to say what it is, but I'll say that I to say what it is, but I'll say that I to say what it is, but I'll say that I know people who have businesses that do know people who have businesses that do know people who have businesses that do 20 million in revenue. Uh ecom 20 million in revenue. Uh ecom 20 million in revenue. Uh ecom businesses that do 20 million in revenue businesses that do 20 million in revenue businesses that do 20 million in revenue and I have a feeling you're making more and I have a feeling you're making more and I have a feeling you're making more money than they are in terms of like money than they are in terms of like money than they are in terms of like >> I don't know about that but I I would >> I don't know about that but I I would >> I don't know about that but I I would say that I do very well. I love what I say that I do very well. I love what I say that I do very well. I love what I do. I never think about it as work work. do. I never think about it as work work. do. I never think about it as work work. I love it and you know that, but I think I love it and you know that, but I think I love it and you know that, but I think it's a viable way to measure your it's a viable way to measure your it's a viable way to measure your success. So, I I do try to I pay myself. success. So, I I do try to I pay myself. success. So, I I do try to I pay myself. Um, but in 2026, our goal is to probably Um, but in 2026, our goal is to probably Um, but in 2026, our goal is to probably try to grow the business by like another try to grow the business by like another try to grow the business by like another byif at least 50%. byif at least 50%. byif at least 50%. >> That's crazy. >> That's crazy. >> That's crazy. >> And um and I think I can definitely do >> And um and I think I can definitely do >> And um and I think I can definitely do that. I I have a very clear path ahead that. I I have a very clear path ahead that. I I have a very clear path ahead to how to grow the business and I know to how to grow the business and I know to how to grow the business and I know you think it's really funny that's how you think it's really funny that's how you think it's really funny that's how we started. we started. we started. >> I think it's awesome. >> I think it's awesome. >> I think it's awesome. >> One of the many reasons why I wanted to >> One of the many reasons why I wanted to >> One of the many reasons why I wanted to do a podcast with you was because do a podcast with you was because do a podcast with you was because you know me and Sean we get all these you know me and Sean we get all these you know me and Sean we get all these people reaching out to us that say they people reaching out to us that say they people reaching out to us that say they want to start whatever and they like want to start whatever and they like want to start whatever and they like write up these complicated reasons or write up these complicated reasons or write up these complicated reasons or these complicated business plans or these complicated business plans or these complicated business plans or something like that and we're like something like that and we're like something like that and we're like that's just not important. just like that's just not important. just like that's just not important. just like start something in a week, just move start something in a week, just move start something in a week, just move fast, you know, momentum to your first fast, you know, momentum to your first fast, you know, momentum to your first dollar. And I don't know if this is like dollar. And I don't know if this is like dollar. And I don't know if this is like a genetic thing or people can become a genetic thing or people can become a genetic thing or people can become this, but there's this weird thing that this, but there's this weird thing that this, but there's this weird thing that I tend to have, Sean has it, you I tend to have, Sean has it, you I tend to have, Sean has it, you definitely have it where I almost call definitely have it where I almost call definitely have it where I almost call it like being a caveman where you're it like being a caveman where you're it like being a caveman where you're like smart enough like like you're you like smart enough like like you're you like smart enough like like you're you can be both you can be really smart but can be both you can be really smart but can be both you can be really smart but at the same time you're like this seems at the same time you're like this seems at the same time you're like this seems so simple and just straightforward. I'm so simple and just straightforward. I'm so simple and just straightforward. I'm not going to overthink it. I'm just not going to overthink it. I'm just not going to overthink it. I'm just going to like do step one, step two, going to like do step one, step two, going to like do step one, step two, step three. Whereas a lot of people tend step three. Whereas a lot of people tend step three. Whereas a lot of people tend to like overthink things. Well, I think to like overthink things. Well, I think to like overthink things. Well, I think a lot of people would think about it. a lot of people would think about it. a lot of people would think about it. They don't take action. So, I'm okay They don't take action. So, I'm okay They don't take action. So, I'm okay making mistakes. I've always been that making mistakes. I've always been that making mistakes. I've always been that way, but I've al also taken action on way, but I've al also taken action on way, but I've al also taken action on the things that I wanted to do. I'll the things that I wanted to do. I'll the things that I wanted to do. I'll give you a quick quick example. So, when give you a quick quick example. So, when give you a quick quick example. So, when I moved to the US, I was 16. I went to I moved to the US, I was 16. I went to I moved to the US, I was 16. I went to high school. I went from Catholic high school. I went from Catholic high school. I went from Catholic schools in 80 to a high school in one of schools in 80 to a high school in one of schools in 80 to a high school in one of the worst neighborhoods in Miami. Right. the worst neighborhoods in Miami. Right. the worst neighborhoods in Miami. Right. So, high school was horrible. I didn't So, high school was horrible. I didn't So, high school was horrible. I didn't know the language. The students were know the language. The students were know the language. The students were awful to us in general and I wanted to awful to us in general and I wanted to awful to us in general and I wanted to not stay in high school. I had three not stay in high school. I had three not stay in high school. I had three years left, but I was like, well, I years left, but I was like, well, I years left, but I was like, well, I really I really don't want to be here. really I really don't want to be here. really I really don't want to be here. So, I decided to go to night school as So, I decided to go to night school as So, I decided to go to night school as well. So, I did three years in high well. So, I did three years in high well. So, I did three years in high school in two years without knowing school in two years without knowing school in two years without knowing English. English. English. >> So, I graduated and got out. So, I I I >> So, I graduated and got out. So, I I I >> So, I graduated and got out. So, I I I just knew that there are ways to do just knew that there are ways to do just knew that there are ways to do things. If you really want to do things. If you really want to do things. If you really want to do something, there's always a path to to something, there's always a path to to something, there's always a path to to take. There's always a way always a way take. There's always a way always a way take. There's always a way always a way to do it. For me, it was that I I to do it. For me, it was that I I to do it. For me, it was that I I learned how to do I know I can learned how to do I know I can learned how to do I know I can definitely say that I know my business definitely say that I know my business definitely say that I know my business from inside out. I knew from how to from inside out. I knew from how to from inside out. I knew from how to manage the website, how to I take all my manage the website, how to I take all my manage the website, how to I take all my photos and the learning curve that was photos and the learning curve that was photos and the learning curve that was really huge because then I had to learn really huge because then I had to learn really huge because then I had to learn Photoshop, Canva, and tons of other Photoshop, Canva, and tons of other Photoshop, Canva, and tons of other programs. But I also knew that again I I programs. But I also knew that again I I programs. But I also knew that again I I could learn it. I never doubted myself could learn it. I never doubted myself could learn it. I never doubted myself that I couldn't learn things. Um, so you that I couldn't learn things. Um, so you that I couldn't learn things. Um, so you just break it down in small chunks and just break it down in small chunks and just break it down in small chunks and you learn a little bit every day. So at you learn a little bit every day. So at you learn a little bit every day. So at the end of the month it's like all of a the end of the month it's like all of a the end of the month it's like all of a sudden I know how to use Photoshop and I sudden I know how to use Photoshop and I sudden I know how to use Photoshop and I know like your audience um generally are know like your audience um generally are know like your audience um generally are really young entrepreneurs but I think I really young entrepreneurs but I think I really young entrepreneurs but I think I was thinking well what kind of value can was thinking well what kind of value can was thinking well what kind of value can I add to your podcast and I think the I add to your podcast and I think the I add to your podcast and I think the value would be in people who are maybe value would be in people who are maybe value would be in people who are maybe in their 50s and don't want to retire or in their 50s and don't want to retire or in their 50s and don't want to retire or want to have a different kind of career want to have a different kind of career want to have a different kind of career who really had a passion that they who really had a passion that they who really had a passion that they didn't have an opportunity to follow. didn't have an opportunity to follow. didn't have an opportunity to follow. And for me, that's what I did. And for me, that's what I did. And for me, that's what I did. >> It's pretty crazy. I remember looking at >> It's pretty crazy. I remember looking at >> It's pretty crazy. I remember looking at some photos of you when you were still some photos of you when you were still some photos of you when you were still in Haiti, and I was like, in Haiti, and I was like, in Haiti, and I was like, >> isn't it incredible that like in such a >> isn't it incredible that like in such a >> isn't it incredible that like in such a short amount of time, in one lifetime, short amount of time, in one lifetime, short amount of time, in one lifetime, you can go from living in an entirely you can go from living in an entirely you can go from living in an entirely different country to then going to uh different country to then going to uh different country to then going to uh the one of the busiest parts in America, the one of the busiest parts in America, the one of the busiest parts in America, New York City, Manhattan, where you New York City, Manhattan, where you New York City, Manhattan, where you live, owning a multi-million dollar ecom live, owning a multi-million dollar ecom live, owning a multi-million dollar ecom bit. I was just it was just like it's bit. I was just it was just like it's bit. I was just it was just like it's it's pretty I just am I'm so inspired it's pretty I just am I'm so inspired it's pretty I just am I'm so inspired and fascinated about how how how far and fascinated about how how how far and fascinated about how how how far someone could come. I was just reading someone could come. I was just reading someone could come. I was just reading um Barack Obama's book, his biography, um Barack Obama's book, his biography, um Barack Obama's book, his biography, and he was telling the story about how I and he was telling the story about how I and he was telling the story about how I think it was his his father's father, so think it was his his father's father, so think it was his his father's father, so his Kenyan grandfather or maybe it was his Kenyan grandfather or maybe it was his Kenyan grandfather or maybe it was his Kenyan aunt who came to America for his Kenyan aunt who came to America for his Kenyan aunt who came to America for the inauguration and they were they they the inauguration and they were they they the inauguration and they were they they were from Kenya and they were living in were from Kenya and they were living in were from Kenya and they were living in like a in like the countryside of Kenya, like a in like the countryside of Kenya, like a in like the countryside of Kenya, like not like the most nice setup and I like not like the most nice setup and I like not like the most nice setup and I was like, isn't this incredible that in was like, isn't this incredible that in was like, isn't this incredible that in two generations you go from just being a two generations you go from just being a two generations you go from just being a person in Kenya to like holding this person in Kenya to like holding this person in Kenya to like holding this baby and you're like this baby is going baby and you're like this baby is going baby and you're like this baby is going to be the future president of America to be the future president of America to be the future president of America not even Kenya of America and I was like not even Kenya of America and I was like not even Kenya of America and I was like it's just incredible like how far that it's just incredible like how far that it's just incredible like how far that the journey of two gener two or three the journey of two gener two or three the journey of two gener two or three generations and then I was like you know generations and then I was like you know generations and then I was like you know that's pretty incredible I've got a that's pretty incredible I've got a that's pretty incredible I've got a bunch of immigrant friends or immigrant bunch of immigrant friends or immigrant bunch of immigrant friends or immigrant family members now you being one of them family members now you being one of them family members now you being one of them and the the the place where they are is and the the the place where they are is and the the the place where they are is so far from where they started and I so far from where they started and I so far from where they started and I think that's like very inspiring think that's like very inspiring think that's like very inspiring >> well immigrants don't feel like they >> well immigrants don't feel like they >> well immigrants don't feel like they have a lot to lose so if and I'll have a lot to lose so if and I'll have a lot to lose so if and I'll consider myself to be first generation consider myself to be first generation consider myself to be first generation immigrant but my parents really was the immigrant but my parents really was the immigrant but my parents really was the first generation immigrants but they first generation immigrants but they first generation immigrants but they came here when they were already in came here when they were already in came here when they were already in their 40s so it was too late for them so their 40s so it was too late for them so their 40s so it was too late for them so they sacrificed a lot so that we could they sacrificed a lot so that we could they sacrificed a lot so that we could do well so if you've traveled this far do well so if you've traveled this far do well so if you've traveled this far you actually you've left your homeland you actually you've left your homeland you actually you've left your homeland and you travel to a foreign land to make and you travel to a foreign land to make and you travel to a foreign land to make a new life immigrants kind of feel like a new life immigrants kind of feel like a new life immigrants kind of feel like they have nothing to lose they have to they have nothing to lose they have to they have nothing to lose they have to give it their all because you you're give it their all because you you're give it their all because you you're displaced. You feel displaced all the displaced. You feel displaced all the displaced. You feel displaced all the time anyway. Like you're not fully from time anyway. Like you're not fully from time anyway. Like you're not fully from one place or the other. So you really one place or the other. So you really one place or the other. So you really have to go for it because the have to go for it because the have to go for it because the opportunities are there are here. I we opportunities are there are here. I we opportunities are there are here. I we left there because there weren't any left there because there weren't any left there because there weren't any opportunities. opportunities. opportunities. So you won't I we won't want to be here So you won't I we won't want to be here So you won't I we won't want to be here and not take advantage of the and not take advantage of the and not take advantage of the opportunities offered to us or opportunities offered to us or opportunities offered to us or try to really hard. I love New York try to really hard. I love New York try to really hard. I love New York though. I have to say even growing up in though. I have to say even growing up in though. I have to say even growing up in Haiti, um there used to be a Seven Up Haiti, um there used to be a Seven Up Haiti, um there used to be a Seven Up commercial that was filmed in Time commercial that was filmed in Time commercial that was filmed in Time Square. I thought it was amazing. Square. I thought it was amazing. Square. I thought it was amazing. I wanted to be right here in New York. I wanted to be right here in New York. I wanted to be right here in New York. And you know how obsessed I am with New And you know how obsessed I am with New And you know how obsessed I am with New York City. York City. York City. >> You're the most New York person I know. >> You're the most New York person I know. >> You're the most New York person I know. Like when we walk on the street, I'm Like when we walk on the street, I'm Like when we walk on the street, I'm like, you have to slow down. like, you have to slow down. like, you have to slow down. >> Well, yeah. I Yeah. You kind of like >> Well, yeah. I Yeah. You kind of like >> Well, yeah. I Yeah. You kind of like once you leave here, you become a little once you leave here, you become a little once you leave here, you become a little bit more aggressive. But but I do like bit more aggressive. But but I do like bit more aggressive. But but I do like the energy of New York. It's it's a the energy of New York. It's it's a the energy of New York. It's it's a really cool place. But I but I had that really cool place. But I but I had that really cool place. But I but I had that idea. I I I knew I would be in New York idea. I I I knew I would be in New York idea. I I I knew I would be in New York for at a very young age. for at a very young age. for at a very young age. >> You know, on this podcast, we've talked >> You know, on this podcast, we've talked >> You know, on this podcast, we've talked to like um you know, billionaires and to like um you know, billionaires and to like um you know, billionaires and people have these like companies worth people have these like companies worth people have these like companies worth tens of billions of dollars. And Sean tens of billions of dollars. And Sean tens of billions of dollars. And Sean and I always say, we're like, we're and I always say, we're like, we're and I always say, we're like, we're equally impressed by them as we are a equally impressed by them as we are a equally impressed by them as we are a small business that is small but does small business that is small but does small business that is small but does great work because what we love are great work because what we love are great work because what we love are people who kind of blaze their own path people who kind of blaze their own path people who kind of blaze their own path and kind of like turn dreams into and kind of like turn dreams into and kind of like turn dreams into reality. And it and it doesn't exactly reality. And it and it doesn't exactly reality. And it and it doesn't exactly matter how big the reality is. It's just matter how big the reality is. It's just matter how big the reality is. It's just really cool to see people kick their really cool to see people kick their really cool to see people kick their debt in the world. And I think that like debt in the world. And I think that like debt in the world. And I think that like the takeaway when I talked to you and the takeaway when I talked to you and the takeaway when I talked to you and why I wanted you on was because I think why I wanted you on was because I think why I wanted you on was because I think that inertia is strong. I think that that inertia is strong. I think that that inertia is strong. I think that people tend to do the same thing for people tend to do the same thing for people tend to do the same thing for years and it's hard to break that. And years and it's hard to break that. And years and it's hard to break that. And the older you get, it's not it's it's the older you get, it's not it's it's the older you get, it's not it's it's just for the reason of inertia. You've just for the reason of inertia. You've just for the reason of inertia. You've been doing the same things for a long been doing the same things for a long been doing the same things for a long time and so you're like, I don't want to time and so you're like, I don't want to time and so you're like, I don't want to change. And what was fascinating was I change. And what was fascinating was I change. And what was fascinating was I don't know if it's true that you were don't know if it's true that you were don't know if it's true that you were wanting to start something for a while, wanting to start something for a while, wanting to start something for a while, but I do know you like were I think you but I do know you like were I think you but I do know you like were I think you had like I think you had thought of it. had like I think you had thought of it. had like I think you had thought of it. Maybe I heard you like brainstorm out Maybe I heard you like brainstorm out Maybe I heard you like brainstorm out loud. But then what was interesting is loud. But then what was interesting is loud. But then what was interesting is like you went from maybe talking about like you went from maybe talking about like you went from maybe talking about all these other things to talking about all these other things to talking about all these other things to talking about a pillow business and then launching it a pillow business and then launching it a pillow business and then launching it literally in two weeks. And then like literally in two weeks. And then like literally in two weeks. And then like before I knew it, I think I don't before I knew it, I think I don't before I knew it, I think I don't remember what you did your first year, remember what you did your first year, remember what you did your first year, but it was like I remember the first but it was like I remember the first but it was like I remember the first time you told me you crossed six time you told me you crossed six time you told me you crossed six figures. I was like, are you serious? figures. I was like, are you serious? figures. I was like, are you serious? >> I think a lot of people like to change >> I think a lot of people like to change >> I think a lot of people like to change the look of their home. It's a new the look of their home. It's a new the look of their home. It's a new season. is it's a really a very easy way season. is it's a really a very easy way season. is it's a really a very easy way to transform your space without spending to transform your space without spending to transform your space without spending a huge amount of uh of money. And the a huge amount of uh of money. And the a huge amount of uh of money. And the way that we were able to build our way that we were able to build our way that we were able to build our website, we also work with um interior website, we also work with um interior website, we also work with um interior designers. Interior designers buy a tons designers. Interior designers buy a tons designers. Interior designers buy a tons of pillows. of pillows. of pillows. >> Is there a world where you would want to >> Is there a world where you would want to >> Is there a world where you would want to like go really hard and turn this into a like go really hard and turn this into a like go really hard and turn this into a big 100 million plus company? big 100 million plus company? big 100 million plus company? >> I I don't know. I think I really like >> I I don't know. I think I really like >> I I don't know. I think I really like working oneon-one with the clients. If working oneon-one with the clients. If working oneon-one with the clients. If it were to be really big, I I think I it were to be really big, I I think I it were to be really big, I I think I would lose that aspect of it. So, I would lose that aspect of it. So, I would lose that aspect of it. So, I don't know. I am considering a wholesale don't know. I am considering a wholesale don't know. I am considering a wholesale program though. So, stores will contact program though. So, stores will contact program though. So, stores will contact me. They want to buy the pillows. And me. They want to buy the pillows. And me. They want to buy the pillows. And I've done some business with some I've done some business with some I've done some business with some smaller local stores. So if I wanted to smaller local stores. So if I wanted to smaller local stores. So if I wanted to sell the pillows on a national sell the pillows on a national sell the pillows on a national international level, they would not be international level, they would not be international level, they would not be made to order anymore. So that I will made to order anymore. So that I will made to order anymore. So that I will stack the pillows or get a lot of orders stack the pillows or get a lot of orders stack the pillows or get a lot of orders ahead of time and maybe Bloom and Dell's ahead of time and maybe Bloom and Dell's ahead of time and maybe Bloom and Dell's might want to order a hundred of them might want to order a hundred of them might want to order a hundred of them for their store in New York or something for their store in New York or something for their store in New York or something like that. So that would be wholesale. like that. So that would be wholesale. like that. So that would be wholesale. They will be buying by the gross which They will be buying by the gross which They will be buying by the gross which is 144 of them at a time. is 144 of them at a time. is 144 of them at a time. >> Are you going to do anything besides >> Are you going to do anything besides >> Are you going to do anything besides pillows? pillows? pillows? >> For the time being, no. But there are >> For the time being, no. But there are >> For the time being, no. But there are different kinds of pillows that I would different kinds of pillows that I would different kinds of pillows that I would like to consider. Maybe throws. I I like to consider. Maybe throws. I I like to consider. Maybe throws. I I actually hired a group of autisens to actually hired a group of autisens to actually hired a group of autisens to make throws for for Smithy Home Couture. make throws for for Smithy Home Couture. make throws for for Smithy Home Couture. Do you know what a throw is, Sam? Just Do you know what a throw is, Sam? Just Do you know what a throw is, Sam? Just like a blanket for your couch. All like a blanket for your couch. All like a blanket for your couch. All right. right. right. >> I thought a throw pillow Yeah. I don't >> I thought a throw pillow Yeah. I don't >> I thought a throw pillow Yeah. I don't know. I thought a throw I thought throw know. I thought a throw I thought throw know. I thought a throw I thought throw pillow was a term. Wait, I've been pillow was a term. Wait, I've been pillow was a term. Wait, I've been telling people throw pillows. Is that telling people throw pillows. Is that telling people throw pillows. Is that the wrong word? the wrong word? the wrong word? >> Same thing. go throw pillows, but a >> Same thing. go throw pillows, but a >> Same thing. go throw pillows, but a throw would be like just a blanket. So, throw would be like just a blanket. So, throw would be like just a blanket. So, people often ask, you know, do you have people often ask, you know, do you have people often ask, you know, do you have throws to match with your pillows? throws to match with your pillows? throws to match with your pillows? That's something that I will look into. That's something that I will look into. That's something that I will look into. I am looking into. I am looking into. I am looking into. >> On one hand, I'm like, I don't want you >> On one hand, I'm like, I don't want you >> On one hand, I'm like, I don't want you to do this because, you know, you watch to do this because, you know, you watch to do this because, you know, you watch your grandkids on Wednesdays, of which your grandkids on Wednesdays, of which your grandkids on Wednesdays, of which I'm a huge recipient of that. So, I like I'm a huge recipient of that. So, I like I'm a huge recipient of that. So, I like that. Um, but on the other hand, I'm that. Um, but on the other hand, I'm that. Um, but on the other hand, I'm like, man, you totally could become like, man, you totally could become like, man, you totally could become Martha Stewart. I could tot like because Martha Stewart. I could tot like because Martha Stewart. I could tot like because this is for the listener. If you guys this is for the listener. If you guys this is for the listener. If you guys ever go to Smithy's house, it's like the ever go to Smithy's house, it's like the ever go to Smithy's house, it's like the most perfectly decorated home and it's most perfectly decorated home and it's most perfectly decorated home and it's like it looks it's it's insane. And the like it looks it's it's insane. And the like it looks it's it's insane. And the way that you make dinners, it's like you way that you make dinners, it's like you way that you make dinners, it's like you are basically Martha Stewart. are basically Martha Stewart. are basically Martha Stewart. >> Yes. I like home decor, gardening, and >> Yes. I like home decor, gardening, and >> Yes. I like home decor, gardening, and cooking. Yes. cooking. Yes. cooking. Yes. >> And I'm like, you could definitely >> And I'm like, you could definitely >> And I'm like, you could definitely become a thing and make this a thing. become a thing and make this a thing. become a thing and make this a thing. And I'm like, that sounds awesome. And I'm like, that sounds awesome. And I'm like, that sounds awesome. >> I I'm just um conflicted. Do I want to >> I I'm just um conflicted. Do I want to >> I I'm just um conflicted. Do I want to change it the business model or not? So, change it the business model or not? So, change it the business model or not? So, this year will be the year that I think this year will be the year that I think this year will be the year that I think um I will make this decision. Right now, um I will make this decision. Right now, um I will make this decision. Right now, I love working one-on-one with the I love working one-on-one with the I love working one-on-one with the clients a lot. And I also have a great clients a lot. And I also have a great clients a lot. And I also have a great work and life balance. I have very work and life balance. I have very work and life balance. I have very flexible hours. I can spend a lot of flexible hours. I can spend a lot of flexible hours. I can spend a lot of time with my grandkids, your children, time with my grandkids, your children, time with my grandkids, your children, and there's a lot to lose to go big and there's a lot to lose to go big and there's a lot to lose to go big going by going bigger. So, I have to going by going bigger. So, I have to going by going bigger. So, I have to really consider if that's what I want to really consider if that's what I want to really consider if that's what I want to do. It's it's so interesting because I do. It's it's so interesting because I do. It's it's so interesting because I listen to your podcast of like the young listen to your podcast of like the young listen to your podcast of like the young entrepreneurs and and I think it's entrepreneurs and and I think it's entrepreneurs and and I think it's amazing how well that they're they're amazing how well that they're they're amazing how well that they're they're doing and they're really excited. They doing and they're really excited. They doing and they're really excited. They take the really small business and scale take the really small business and scale take the really small business and scale it up and really fast and I want to do it up and really fast and I want to do it up and really fast and I want to do that but I do by doing that I think I that but I do by doing that I think I that but I do by doing that I think I believe that I'll have a lot to lose. believe that I'll have a lot to lose. believe that I'll have a lot to lose. >> I think what you have is actually the >> I think what you have is actually the >> I think what you have is actually the ideal situation which is intentionality. ideal situation which is intentionality. ideal situation which is intentionality. I think that there's a lot of people, I think that there's a lot of people, I think that there's a lot of people, myself included, even though I try to be myself included, even though I try to be myself included, even though I try to be really intentional, but there's a lot of really intentional, but there's a lot of really intentional, but there's a lot of people who they do things, you know, people who they do things, you know, people who they do things, you know, it's sort of like a ready, fire, aim. it's sort of like a ready, fire, aim. it's sort of like a ready, fire, aim. They kind of just like do stuff and like They kind of just like do stuff and like They kind of just like do stuff and like whatever happens happens and then whatever happens happens and then whatever happens happens and then sometimes, we actually just talking sometimes, we actually just talking sometimes, we actually just talking about this in a previous podcast, you about this in a previous podcast, you about this in a previous podcast, you kind of eventually, if you don't do it kind of eventually, if you don't do it kind of eventually, if you don't do it intentionally, you can build your own intentionally, you can build your own intentionally, you can build your own prison prison prison >> where you're kind of like trapped in >> where you're kind of like trapped in >> where you're kind of like trapped in this thing that you created. You seem to this thing that you created. You seem to this thing that you created. You seem to have this good attitude of like knowing have this good attitude of like knowing have this good attitude of like knowing what you want and who you are versus what you want and who you are versus what you want and who you are versus the dopamine rush of more, more, more. the dopamine rush of more, more, more. the dopamine rush of more, more, more. >> Well, I would say that I had that in my >> Well, I would say that I had that in my >> Well, I would say that I had that in my 30s like this. It was a time to build a 30s like this. It was a time to build a 30s like this. It was a time to build a career, a family, and to make sure that career, a family, and to make sure that career, a family, and to make sure that you're financially stable for your you're financially stable for your you're financially stable for your family, right? I did have to pay college family, right? I did have to pay college family, right? I did have to pay college tuitions for our children. We did have tuitions for our children. We did have tuitions for our children. We did have to pay college tuition. So, we worked to pay college tuition. So, we worked to pay college tuition. So, we worked really hard so that I could have this really hard so that I could have this really hard so that I could have this time where I can really think about what time where I can really think about what time where I can really think about what I want to do moving forward and to I want to do moving forward and to I want to do moving forward and to really follow something that I really really follow something that I really really follow something that I really liked and I'm interested in. So, I wake liked and I'm interested in. So, I wake liked and I'm interested in. So, I wake up every day, I'm interested about going up every day, I'm interested about going up every day, I'm interested about going to work, I spend hours online looking at to work, I spend hours online looking at to work, I spend hours online looking at fabrics and I I love this. So, I had to fabrics and I I love this. So, I had to fabrics and I I love this. So, I had to work really we had to grind first in work really we had to grind first in work really we had to grind first in order for me to have this time. And I order for me to have this time. And I order for me to have this time. And I think there are a lot of people who do think there are a lot of people who do think there are a lot of people who do do that. Why am I situation where you do that. Why am I situation where you do that. Why am I situation where you get to later on in life and get to later on in life and get to later on in life and you but you still want to work but you you but you still want to work but you you but you still want to work but you don't want to do things that you don't don't want to do things that you don't don't want to do things that you don't enjoy doing. So I do very well enjoy doing. So I do very well enjoy doing. So I do very well financially selling pillows and I love financially selling pillows and I love financially selling pillows and I love doing it. I'm actually making money doing it. I'm actually making money doing it. I'm actually making money doing something that I used to do for doing something that I used to do for doing something that I used to do for free for people. So So that's amazing. I free for people. So So that's amazing. I free for people. So So that's amazing. I remember one time I tweeted out your remember one time I tweeted out your remember one time I tweeted out your story and I think I forget what's the story and I think I forget what's the story and I think I forget what's the guy's name. Mark Marcus Leamonus or Le guy's name. Mark Marcus Leamonus or Le guy's name. Mark Marcus Leamonus or Le you know I'm talking about the guy who you know I'm talking about the guy who you know I'm talking about the guy who is the chairman of Bed Bath and Beyond. is the chairman of Bed Bath and Beyond. is the chairman of Bed Bath and Beyond. >> He's from Bed Bath and Beyond. Yes. >> He's from Bed Bath and Beyond. Yes. >> He's from Bed Bath and Beyond. Yes. >> And he's part of the TV show. I think >> And he's part of the TV show. I think >> And he's part of the TV show. I think it's called like the profit. He's he's I it's called like the profit. He's he's I it's called like the profit. He's he's I think I think he's a pretty big deal. think I think he's a pretty big deal. think I think he's a pretty big deal. And he like tweeted at you and he was And he like tweeted at you and he was And he like tweeted at you and he was like hey uh email me. Let's get you in like hey uh email me. Let's get you in like hey uh email me. Let's get you in Bed Bath Bed Bath and Beyond. And I Bed Bath Bed Bath and Beyond. And I Bed Bath Bed Bath and Beyond. And I remember I was like Smithy I think this remember I was like Smithy I think this remember I was like Smithy I think this is a huge deal. and you very calm and is a huge deal. and you very calm and is a huge deal. and you very calm and collectively were like, "That's collectively were like, "That's collectively were like, "That's interesting. Maybe I'll reach out or interesting. Maybe I'll reach out or interesting. Maybe I'll reach out or something like that." It was just like something like that." It was just like something like that." It was just like like there was like it was just smooth. like there was like it was just smooth. like there was like it was just smooth. It was just straight. There was no It was just straight. There was no It was just straight. There was no >> I really believe like no one will give >> I really believe like no one will give >> I really believe like no one will give you anything for free. Like if he wants you anything for free. Like if he wants you anything for free. Like if he wants to talk to me, he there's something for to talk to me, he there's something for to talk to me, he there's something for him. So I have to evaluate what is it him. So I have to evaluate what is it him. So I have to evaluate what is it that he wants out of this. Is it going that he wants out of this. Is it going that he wants out of this. Is it going to be worth it for me? As it turned out, to be worth it for me? As it turned out, to be worth it for me? As it turned out, I think it was a good opportunity, but I think it was a good opportunity, but I think it was a good opportunity, but it just didn't work out for us. I didn't it just didn't work out for us. I didn't it just didn't work out for us. I didn't like their business model. So, I did go like their business model. So, I did go like their business model. So, I did go um we did have our pillows on Bed Bath um we did have our pillows on Bed Bath um we did have our pillows on Bed Bath and Beyond, but after two or three and Beyond, but after two or three and Beyond, but after two or three months, I pulled them out. I don't have months, I pulled them out. I don't have months, I pulled them out. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do, which to do anything I don't want to do, which to do anything I don't want to do, which is great. It's a great place to be in. I is great. It's a great place to be in. I is great. It's a great place to be in. I really like that. But I we're on really like that. But I we're on really like that. But I we're on Wayfair. Um I do very well on Wayfair. Wayfair. Um I do very well on Wayfair. Wayfair. Um I do very well on Wayfair. They have a very strong presence on They have a very strong presence on They have a very strong presence on Wayfair and I love Wayfair and I know a Wayfair and I love Wayfair and I know a Wayfair and I love Wayfair and I know a lot of people complain about Wayfair but lot of people complain about Wayfair but lot of people complain about Wayfair but I like it. I like working with them. Um I like it. I like working with them. Um I like it. I like working with them. Um their software is very simple and we do their software is very simple and we do their software is very simple and we do great business. I know Wayfair sells a great business. I know Wayfair sells a great business. I know Wayfair sells a lot of stock items but still a made to lot of stock items but still a made to lot of stock items but still a made to order company on Wayfair. We make we get order company on Wayfair. We make we get order company on Wayfair. We make we get tons of orders for Wayfair and then we tons of orders for Wayfair and then we tons of orders for Wayfair and then we make them that day and then we ship make them that day and then we ship make them that day and then we ship them. And we have very low returns on them. And we have very low returns on them. And we have very low returns on Wayfares. Maybe I think the return is Wayfares. Maybe I think the return is Wayfares. Maybe I think the return is 5%. So, um it works for us. If it didn't 5%. So, um it works for us. If it didn't 5%. So, um it works for us. If it didn't work out, I'll just also work out, I'll just also work out, I'll just also not sell on Wayfair. Our website is not sell on Wayfair. Our website is not sell on Wayfair. Our website is doing very well and between Etsy Wayfair doing very well and between Etsy Wayfair doing very well and between Etsy Wayfair and our website, we we are doing very and our website, we we are doing very and our website, we we are doing very well. There's also another service that well. There's also another service that well. There's also another service that we offer um that's really interior we offer um that's really interior we offer um that's really interior designers really like and some of our designers really like and some of our designers really like and some of our clients use it too. So, we allowed clients use it too. So, we allowed clients use it too. So, we allowed clients and and interior designers to clients and and interior designers to clients and and interior designers to ship their own fabrics. If they can't ship their own fabrics. If they can't ship their own fabrics. If they can't find a fabric that they like on my find a fabric that they like on my find a fabric that they like on my website, they ship their own fabrics and website, they ship their own fabrics and website, they ship their own fabrics and I provide the labor to sew the pillows I provide the labor to sew the pillows I provide the labor to sew the pillows and ship to them. Ship it back to them. and ship to them. Ship it back to them. and ship to them. Ship it back to them. >> This is fun. I love celebrating your >> This is fun. I love celebrating your >> This is fun. I love celebrating your success. Last last question. Explain the success. Last last question. Explain the success. Last last question. Explain the first time that you met me when I was first time that you met me when I was first time that you met me when I was dating Sarah. dating Sarah. dating Sarah. >> Oh, yes. Okay. Well, that was our first >> Oh, yes. Okay. Well, that was our first >> Oh, yes. Okay. Well, that was our first that was our first trip to San that was our first trip to San that was our first trip to San Francisco. I think I went there and Francisco. I think I went there and Francisco. I think I went there and dropped her off in San Francisco because dropped her off in San Francisco because dropped her off in San Francisco because she landed a great job and all that. So, she landed a great job and all that. So, she landed a great job and all that. So, I took her to San Francisco, made sure I took her to San Francisco, made sure I took her to San Francisco, made sure she was settled down. And then the next she was settled down. And then the next she was settled down. And then the next time that we went to San Francisco, she time that we went to San Francisco, she time that we went to San Francisco, she said she was dating someone and she said she was dating someone and she said she was dating someone and she wanted us to to meet you. And of course, wanted us to to meet you. And of course, wanted us to to meet you. And of course, as parents, we were really like as parents, we were really like as parents, we were really like concerned like, "Oh my god, who is she concerned like, "Oh my god, who is she concerned like, "Oh my god, who is she dating all the way in San Francisco? We dating all the way in San Francisco? We dating all the way in San Francisco? We live in New York and all that." and you live in New York and all that." and you live in New York and all that." and you insisted that we went directly from the insisted that we went directly from the insisted that we went directly from the airport to your apartment to your space airport to your apartment to your space airport to your apartment to your space to your house. I was like, "Wait a to your house. I was like, "Wait a to your house. I was like, "Wait a second. Why can't we just why can't he second. Why can't we just why can't he second. Why can't we just why can't he wait for us to meet him tomorrow at wait for us to meet him tomorrow at wait for us to meet him tomorrow at dinner like a normal family would do?" dinner like a normal family would do?" dinner like a normal family would do?" And so I was like, "Mom, can you please And so I was like, "Mom, can you please And so I was like, "Mom, can you please just go to his house? He really wants just go to his house? He really wants just go to his house? He really wants you to meet his dog." And I was like, you to meet his dog." And I was like, you to meet his dog." And I was like, "Oh my god." All right, fine. I'll go. "Oh my god." All right, fine. I'll go. "Oh my god." All right, fine. I'll go. We'll go. We'll go to his house to meet We'll go. We'll go to his house to meet We'll go. We'll go to his house to meet his dog. and your dog turned out to be his dog. and your dog turned out to be his dog. and your dog turned out to be like this huge massive pitbull. I was like this huge massive pitbull. I was like this huge massive pitbull. I was terrified. I was like at first I was terrified. I was like at first I was terrified. I was like at first I was like, "Oh my god." And then of course he like, "Oh my god." And then of course he like, "Oh my god." And then of course he started doing all the tricks with with started doing all the tricks with with started doing all the tricks with with with him and with Sid and I was really with him and with Sid and I was really with him and with Sid and I was really cool. cool. cool. >> We I thought the first time we met was >> We I thought the first time we met was >> We I thought the first time we met was when I was eating a hot dog or when I was eating a hot dog or when I was eating a hot dog or something. something. something. >> Oh yes. That's the next day. Do you want >> Oh yes. That's the next day. Do you want >> Oh yes. That's the next day. Do you want me to tell the story of the next day me to tell the story of the next day me to tell the story of the next day too? Okay. too? Okay. too? Okay. >> Yeah. Oh, first I have to say that night >> Yeah. Oh, first I have to say that night >> Yeah. Oh, first I have to say that night before we left your house and we were before we left your house and we were before we left your house and we were leaving, I was like, "Goodbye, Sam." And leaving, I was like, "Goodbye, Sam." And leaving, I was like, "Goodbye, Sam." And you you said to us, "Oh, wait. You you you said to us, "Oh, wait. You you you said to us, "Oh, wait. You didn't say goodbye to Sid." And I didn't say goodbye to Sid." And I didn't say goodbye to Sid." And I thought I was very cute. I was like, "Oh thought I was very cute. I was like, "Oh thought I was very cute. I was like, "Oh my god, he thinks his dog is a baby." my god, he thinks his dog is a baby." my god, he thinks his dog is a baby." Okay. Okay. Okay. And then the next day, I think I had And then the next day, I think I had And then the next day, I think I had mentioned that I wanted to go to the mentioned that I wanted to go to the mentioned that I wanted to go to the botanical garden. I love flowers and all botanical garden. I love flowers and all botanical garden. I love flowers and all that. And and you said you wanted to go that. And and you said you wanted to go that. And and you said you wanted to go with us. And I was like, "What? He wants with us. And I was like, "What? He wants with us. And I was like, "What? He wants to go to the botanical garden. I thought to go to the botanical garden. I thought to go to the botanical garden. I thought you were really cool to want to spend you were really cool to want to spend you were really cool to want to spend time with Sarah's parents. Most guys time with Sarah's parents. Most guys time with Sarah's parents. Most guys would be like, "Oh, it's nice to meet would be like, "Oh, it's nice to meet would be like, "Oh, it's nice to meet you. Bye, but you wanted to spend time you. Bye, but you wanted to spend time you. Bye, but you wanted to spend time with us. I thought it was cool." And you with us. I thought it was cool." And you with us. I thought it was cool." And you wind up, we drove there, you wind up wind up, we drove there, you wind up wind up, we drove there, you wind up going there on your motorcycle. going there on your motorcycle. going there on your motorcycle. And you walked up to us with a hot dog And you walked up to us with a hot dog And you walked up to us with a hot dog dripping with sauerkraut and ketchup. It dripping with sauerkraut and ketchup. It dripping with sauerkraut and ketchup. It was like falling to the ground. And I was like falling to the ground. And I was like falling to the ground. And I was like, "Ew." You know? was like, "Ew." You know? was like, "Ew." You know? What is this? That's just awful. I'm What is this? That's just awful. I'm What is this? That's just awful. I'm like, Sarah, are you sure you want to like, Sarah, are you sure you want to like, Sarah, are you sure you want to date this guy? date this guy? date this guy? But I really I really trusted Sour. I I But I really I really trusted Sour. I I But I really I really trusted Sour. I I I felt like she's an amazing person. I I felt like she's an amazing person. I I felt like she's an amazing person. I always felt like she was an amazing always felt like she was an amazing always felt like she was an amazing person and I really trusted her judgment person and I really trusted her judgment person and I really trusted her judgment and she really seems to like you and I and she really seems to like you and I and she really seems to like you and I was like, "Okay, so I guess we really was like, "Okay, so I guess we really was like, "Okay, so I guess we really should get to know Sam." As as it turned should get to know Sam." As as it turned should get to know Sam." As as it turned out, you're pretty cool. out, you're pretty cool. out, you're pretty cool. >> All right. you'll the you guys will have >> All right. you'll the you guys will have >> All right. you'll the you guys will have to like Google if you could like Google to like Google if you could like Google to like Google if you could like Google SPAR fat and you'll see photos of what I SPAR fat and you'll see photos of what I SPAR fat and you'll see photos of what I looked like back then. But I was looked like back then. But I was looked like back then. But I was significantly heavier than I am now. And significantly heavier than I am now. And significantly heavier than I am now. And I was much sloppier. And uh I when I I was much sloppier. And uh I when I I was much sloppier. And uh I when I look at back at those photos, I'm like, look at back at those photos, I'm like, look at back at those photos, I'm like, "Oh my god, I can't believe Sarah talked "Oh my god, I can't believe Sarah talked "Oh my god, I can't believe Sarah talked to me when I when I walked up to her." to me when I when I walked up to her." to me when I when I walked up to her." And then I remember like I think we were And then I remember like I think we were And then I remember like I think we were dating for um 6 or 12 months. I don't dating for um 6 or 12 months. I don't dating for um 6 or 12 months. I don't remember. And well, first of all, when I remember. And well, first of all, when I remember. And well, first of all, when I met Sarah, she was like, um, I was like, met Sarah, she was like, um, I was like, met Sarah, she was like, um, I was like, you you I don't remember how I said it, you you I don't remember how I said it, you you I don't remember how I said it, but I was like, you you seem kind of but I was like, you you seem kind of but I was like, you you seem kind of fancy. Did you go to like a good college fancy. Did you go to like a good college fancy. Did you go to like a good college or something? And she's like, I went to or something? And she's like, I went to or something? And she's like, I went to Penn. And I was like, is that like a Penn. And I was like, is that like a Penn. And I was like, is that like a good school? I don't know anything. And good school? I don't know anything. And good school? I don't know anything. And she's like, yeah, it's called Wharton. she's like, yeah, it's called Wharton. she's like, yeah, it's called Wharton. And she didn't say it in like a rude And she didn't say it in like a rude And she didn't say it in like a rude way, but she's like, yeah, is this thing way, but she's like, yeah, is this thing way, but she's like, yeah, is this thing called Wharton? It's like a It's like called Wharton? It's like a It's like called Wharton? It's like a It's like kind of big. It's uh it's part of the kind of big. It's uh it's part of the kind of big. It's uh it's part of the Ivy League. I was like, what's the Ivy Ivy League. I was like, what's the Ivy Ivy League. I was like, what's the Ivy Ivy League? I don't even know what that Ivy League? I don't even know what that Ivy League? I don't even know what that is. And I had to like look it up. And is. And I had to like look it up. And is. And I had to like look it up. And then she was like, I'm from um then she was like, I'm from um then she was like, I'm from um >> New York City. My parents live in >> New York City. My parents live in >> New York City. My parents live in Manhattan. I was like, "People live in Manhattan. I was like, "People live in Manhattan. I was like, "People live in Manhattan. That's a thing." And then 6 Manhattan. That's a thing." And then 6 Manhattan. That's a thing." And then 6 or 12 months later, I go to New York for or 12 months later, I go to New York for or 12 months later, I go to New York for the first time ever. I was such a I the first time ever. I was such a I the first time ever. I was such a I don't know how you could describe what I don't know how you could describe what I don't know how you could describe what I was. I was a little bit of a hillbilly, was. I was a little bit of a hillbilly, was. I was a little bit of a hillbilly, but I went to New York City and I but I went to New York City and I but I went to New York City and I remember seeing your apartment and it remember seeing your apartment and it remember seeing your apartment and it was on floor 50 or something and I was was on floor 50 or something and I was was on floor 50 or something and I was like, "This is the highest I've ever like, "This is the highest I've ever like, "This is the highest I've ever been like in a building and I can't been like in a building and I can't been like in a building and I can't believe that someone lives here." And I believe that someone lives here." And I believe that someone lives here." And I remember walking in and I walked in as remember walking in and I walked in as remember walking in and I walked in as if it was like my parents or like you if it was like my parents or like you if it was like my parents or like you know like parents recording something on know like parents recording something on know like parents recording something on video. I like the whole thing I was video. I like the whole thing I was video. I like the whole thing I was holding an iPhone like recording holding an iPhone like recording holding an iPhone like recording everything. I was like I can't believe everything. I was like I can't believe everything. I was like I can't believe someone lives here. It was crazy. someone lives here. It was crazy. someone lives here. It was crazy. >> You know that of course my husband tells >> You know that of course my husband tells >> You know that of course my husband tells um this story all the time because we're um this story all the time because we're um this story all the time because we're like we thought you were a keeper that like we thought you were a keeper that like we thought you were a keeper that day. Literally that day made a huge day. Literally that day made a huge day. Literally that day made a huge difference because you walk into the difference because you walk into the difference because you walk into the apartment. I must say we had an amazing apartment. I must say we had an amazing apartment. I must say we had an amazing view. We could see all the way downtown. view. We could see all the way downtown. view. We could see all the way downtown. It was just spectacular. It was just spectacular. It was just spectacular. And you weren't in the apartment for And you weren't in the apartment for And you weren't in the apartment for like five or 10 minutes. You pulled out like five or 10 minutes. You pulled out like five or 10 minutes. You pulled out your phone and you facetime your your phone and you facetime your your phone and you facetime your parents. You're like, "You have to see parents. You're like, "You have to see parents. You're like, "You have to see this view." And Jeff and I thought it this view." And Jeff and I thought it this view." And Jeff and I thought it was so endearing that the first thing was so endearing that the first thing was so endearing that the first thing you wanted to do was to reach out to you wanted to do was to reach out to you wanted to do was to reach out to your parents to share the moment with your parents to share the moment with your parents to share the moment with them. So we're like, "Well, this guy is them. So we're like, "Well, this guy is them. So we're like, "Well, this guy is amazing. if he likes his parents and his amazing. if he likes his parents and his amazing. if he likes his parents and his mom, he has this kind of relationship mom, he has this kind of relationship mom, he has this kind of relationship with his mom, maybe he'll be all right. with his mom, maybe he'll be all right. with his mom, maybe he'll be all right. Maybe he'll be want to do the same thing Maybe he'll be want to do the same thing Maybe he'll be want to do the same thing with Sarah. And so far, it's been proven with Sarah. And so far, it's been proven with Sarah. And so far, it's been proven true. So, that's really cool. true. So, that's really cool. true. So, that's really cool. >> I think I think people on um having so >> I think I think people on um having so >> I think I think people on um having so my parents are entrepreneurs as well. my parents are entrepreneurs as well. my parents are entrepreneurs as well. You guys are entrepreneurs. Jeff, your You guys are entrepreneurs. Jeff, your You guys are entrepreneurs. Jeff, your husband, started a really successful husband, started a really successful husband, started a really successful company as well. company as well. company as well. >> And I think and my parents have a >> And I think and my parents have a >> And I think and my parents have a successful company. Um, and I think that successful company. Um, and I think that successful company. Um, and I think that um, not not at one point have my parents um, not not at one point have my parents um, not not at one point have my parents or you or Jeff ever said like, "Are you or you or Jeff ever said like, "Are you or you or Jeff ever said like, "Are you sure that you should go and do and start sure that you should go and do and start sure that you should go and do and start this business versus going and get this this business versus going and get this this business versus going and get this job?" Uh, like when I told my parents I job?" Uh, like when I told my parents I job?" Uh, like when I told my parents I was going to leave school and move to was going to leave school and move to was going to leave school and move to San Francisco, they were like, San Francisco, they were like, San Francisco, they were like, "We'll come help you pack." Uh, like "We'll come help you pack." Uh, like "We'll come help you pack." Uh, like that like support. And I remember like that like support. And I remember like that like support. And I remember like I've told you some of my like uh before I've told you some of my like uh before I've told you some of my like uh before I started Hampton, I think I like would I started Hampton, I think I like would I started Hampton, I think I like would brainstorm different ideas and like brainstorm different ideas and like brainstorm different ideas and like there was never like a are you sure? It there was never like a are you sure? It there was never like a are you sure? It was always like that sounds interesting. was always like that sounds interesting. was always like that sounds interesting. >> Yeah, I can I can't wait to see what you >> Yeah, I can I can't wait to see what you >> Yeah, I can I can't wait to see what you do next. do next. do next. >> Well, what what I mean is like having >> Well, what what I mean is like having >> Well, what what I mean is like having entrepreneurial like parents like just entrepreneurial like parents like just entrepreneurial like parents like just emotionally support you versus say are emotionally support you versus say are emotionally support you versus say are you sure you don't want to play it safe? you sure you don't want to play it safe? you sure you don't want to play it safe? I think is such a huge advantage. Um I think is such a huge advantage. Um I think is such a huge advantage. Um when I started my business, my parents when I started my business, my parents when I started my business, my parents didn't I purposely didn't ask for any didn't I purposely didn't ask for any didn't I purposely didn't ask for any money. I wanted to do it on my own, but money. I wanted to do it on my own, but money. I wanted to do it on my own, but what I had was even more valuable, which what I had was even more valuable, which what I had was even more valuable, which was uh like emotional support. And I was uh like emotional support. And I was uh like emotional support. And I think that's a huge deal. think that's a huge deal. think that's a huge deal. >> Yeah, I I I agree. I think it's a huge >> Yeah, I I I agree. I think it's a huge >> Yeah, I I I agree. I think it's a huge deal. Um and for us, it's it's like I deal. Um and for us, it's it's like I deal. Um and for us, it's it's like I said, I really think it's very exciting. said, I really think it's very exciting. said, I really think it's very exciting. Like you have such great ideas like Like you have such great ideas like Like you have such great ideas like everything that you try to do, I I'm everything that you try to do, I I'm everything that you try to do, I I'm always excited because I want to see um always excited because I want to see um always excited because I want to see um what's the outcome where you're able to what's the outcome where you're able to what's the outcome where you're able to do it. It's a challenge and I think do it. It's a challenge and I think do it. It's a challenge and I think that's the way we grow. We take on that's the way we grow. We take on that's the way we grow. We take on challenges and sometimes they work out challenges and sometimes they work out challenges and sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't. But if you and sometimes they don't. But if you and sometimes they don't. But if you don't try, you will never know. don't try, you will never know. don't try, you will never know. >> So, let's promote you here. All right. >> So, let's promote you here. All right. >> So, let's promote you here. All right. So, Smithy, I'm going to Google it. So, So, Smithy, I'm going to Google it. So, So, Smithy, I'm going to Google it. So, do you want people to go Smithy Home do you want people to go Smithy Home do you want people to go Smithy Home >> smithyhomecouture.com? >> smithyhomecouture.com? >> smithyhomecouture.com? >> And then, do you use Instagram at all? >> And then, do you use Instagram at all? >> And then, do you use Instagram at all? >> I do. I have an Instagram. Um, >> I do. I have an Instagram. Um, >> I do. I have an Instagram. Um, smithyhome couture. smithyhome couture. smithyhome couture. >> I think you got to promote yourself >> I think you got to promote yourself >> I think you got to promote yourself sometimes. I think that um getting sometimes. I think that um getting sometimes. I think that um getting people bought into your lifestyle, I people bought into your lifestyle, I people bought into your lifestyle, I think, is a win. Are you never going to think, is a win. Are you never going to think, is a win. Are you never going to do that? I'm afraid of cameras. do that? I'm afraid of cameras. do that? I'm afraid of cameras. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> thank God you're doing this podcast. >> thank God you're doing this podcast. >> thank God you're doing this podcast. >> I know this camera. >> I know this camera. >> I know this camera. >> I know. It's interesting. It's probably >> I know. It's interesting. It's probably >> I know. It's interesting. It's probably because it's with you, too, so it's not because it's with you, too, so it's not because it's with you, too, so it's not so intimidating. so intimidating. so intimidating. >> All right. Well, thank you for doing >> All right. Well, thank you for doing >> All right. Well, thank you for doing this. Um, let's see what happens. And, this. Um, let's see what happens. And, this. Um, let's see what happens. And, uh, that's it. That's the pod.