Montana Diaries Creative Business Blog
creative business resources, Shownotes, extra media, and links from the pod!
38: Create the community you need w/ the founder of GirlGetAfterIt Cassidy Wendell!
CASSIDY WENDELL
Helloooo and welcome back to the Montana Diaries Podcast, I’m your host Shayna and I’m so freaking stoked you’re here because today we have Cassidy Wendell, the Bozeman Montana based founder of GirlGetAfterIt. Cass is a powerhouse of an entrepreneur and I couldn’t believe all of the wisdom she brought to this episode of the pod — I got so much out of her story of grief and finding community and figuring out how to run the successful business she has today. She indulged my curiosities and I’m so grateful because I legitimately learned so much from her and I know you will too — there are a tonnnn of tangible tips on top of all of the inspiring stories and encouragement. Cassidy is incredible.
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CASSIDY WENDELL: Creating community, navigating grief, starting a successful clothing brand, and more!
psssttt…
join us in the Facebook group, your space for talking all things creativity + business!
MEET CASS
“Hey, I’m Cass!
#GIRLGETAFTERIT was born out of a passion for wellness and need for community.
When I was 22 years old, I suddenly lost my dad to a stroke. In those years that followed, I went through a period of isolation, depression and felt disconnected from anything and anyone that my “old life” was made up of.
I knew I needed a support system, but wasn’t resonating with anything that was out there. so, instead of searching for a squad, I created one. What started as a selfish act, soon turned into a women’s wellness community I could only dream of.
Since hosting my first event back in 2017, I’ve seen first-hand how life-changing it can be to feel seen, heard and supported - for both myself and the people I’ve connected with. You start to believe in yourself. You begin to dream bigger. You chase goals, you get after it, and you inspire others to do the same.
now, I know just how important your mental, physical and emotional health is to your overall well-being, how community plays a huge role in professional and personal success, and how the feeling of being supported can ultimately change your life.
With the help of #GGAI, I have made it my life’s mission to empower women all over the world through movement, community and impact.
LFG,
Cass”
CASSIDY WENDELL
Helloooo and welcome back to the Montana Diaries Podcast, I’m your host Shayna and I’m so freaking stoked you’re here because today we have Cassidy Wendell, the Bozeman Montana based founder of GirlGetAfterIt. Cass is a powerhouse of an entrepreneur and I couldn’t believe all of the wisdom she brought to this episode of the pod — I got so much out of her story of grief and finding community and figuring out how to run the successful business she has today. She indulged my curiosities and I’m so grateful because I legitimately learned so much from her and I know you will too — there are a tonnnn of tangible tips on top of all of the inspiring stories and encouragement. Cassidy is incredible.
Before we jump into the interview, I’ve been LOVING reading reviews of our offerings at the top of the show, so here’s a kind review of my signature course Videography for Photographers by a photographer I look up to so much, so this review blew me away…I mean, I definitely have to get this lady on the podcast because she’s incredible in her own right but here’s Angie Rich’s review of my video course:
“I’m blown away because I have been doing hybrid shooting and I have had a hard time navigating the mechanics and settings, so I stopped because I couldn’t figure it out. I started Videography for Photographers and it’s three modules, 17 sessions — it goes over mechanics, storytelling, editing, how to implement, how to tell a story with videography. I’m so blown away because this is what I needed. If you’re someone who is on the fence and you want to implement video into your business, I highly recommend investing in this course because Shay literally lays it all out for you and it’s freaking good. I promise you, 10/10.”
Wow, Angie, thank you so much for your kind words. I know I already said it, but I look up to Angie wayyyy more than she even probably realized so to have her say such kind things about the course I worked so hard on…ahhh. It’s mind blowing. If you would like a shout out of your own, then write a review of the podcast on the Apple Podcasts app! It helps me out SO MUCH and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. It’ll take two minutes!! Nowwww onto the conversation with Cassidy Wendell.
A chat w/ Cassidy Wendell, founder of GirlGetAfterIt
After landing her “dream job” working in sports marketing for the MSU Bobcats straight out of college, Cassidy navigated through extreme grief and isolation that eventually lead her to seeking a community of women that she was severely lacking. Eventually, that community turned into GirlGetAfterIt.
“GirlGetAfterIt is a wellness community that brings women together through sweat-working events and gear that gives back — we host monthly meetups and create a space for women to meet new friends and try new things in safe, welcoming, inviting space.”
The initial events Cass hosted were fairly successful, and she gave out stickers at each one that said “#GIRLGETAFTERIT.” This was a hashtag she used on her social media posts often, and also said to her personal training clients often. Eventually, attendees started requesting more products with the slogans like t-shirts. Cassidy realized that it was catching on — she trademarked #GIRLGETAFTERIT early in her business. She explained it’s just how her mind works — she goes after it before she’s ready. Today, GIRLGETAFTERIT still hosts monthly events and sells “gear that gives back,” and has just expanded to multiple states.
GIRLGETAFTERIT really gained momentum during the pandemic — Cass went full time into the business, the retail side exploded as more and more women worked from home and craved community + bought into the brand, and a partnership with Lululemon went through for the brand, which Cass is extremely proud of.
When the gear/apparel side of GIRLGETAFTERIT initially launched, Cass used a service called Bonfire, which is a drop-shipping platform — meaning Cass just had to design and launch the product to her community, and they took care of the production and distribution. For this service, they needed to sell a minimum order before the company would make the product. The year after, they switched to a true drop-shopping platform called Printful where they create the one-off orders as they’re ordered. They used that service for about a year, with a few pop-up shops sprinkled in that year — Cass just made bulk orders through Printful for those events. Cass explained the fees for drop-shipping were huge compared to having on-hand inventory, and the quality control wasn’t the best it could be because she wasn’t seeing the product before it was sent to the customer. GIRLGETAFTERIT took baby steps to stepping away from drop shipping completely, and they’re making more big changes for 2022.
Today, GIRLGETAFTERIT uses a launch model for the retail side of the business. This is largely for Cassidy’s lifestyle goals — instead of constantly having to fulfill orders and working on a hamster wheel, Cassidy can control the drops of new products. This move also adds more creativity and freshness to the apparel side of the business.
The community side of GIRLGETAFTERIT is split between the virtual space and in-person events. This year, GGAI implemented an ambassador model where these ambassadors can bring the in person events to their own cities upon approval. Cassidy’s three-year plan for the community is to bring GIRLGETAFTERIT to all 50 states.
Cassidy’s main goal for her personal life is to gain complete autonomy over her personal and professional life, including work-life balance and location freedom. For GirlGetAfterIt, she sees its future as being a “BumbleBFF but cooler.” I freaking love her, you guys.
Anndddd that was Cassidy Wendell, the founder of GIRLGETAFTERIT — isn’t she the best!? My favorite part of the episode was how intentional Cassidy was about seeking out the community she was lacking, especially amidst her grief…. But also, on a tangible level, I learned SO FREAKING MUCH about retail!!! I’ve always been interested in drop-shipping and having a business like that, so it was really kind of Cass to shine a light on that part of her business. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topics we discussed here— head over to the Montana Diaries Podcast Facebook group and write a post to continue this discussion, or just introduce yourself over there. Don’t forget to leave your honest review on the Apple Podcasts app — it helps us get more amazing guests like Cassidy and I’ll give you a shout out on a future episode. Please go create something today, friends, and I’ll catch ya in the next episode.
hey, photog friend!
If you’ve been wanting to learn videography with the gear you already own, I have a free guide just for you!
25: What does it REALLY take to run multiple businesses? w/ Zoelle Devlin
On today’s episode we have the lovely Zoelle Devlin, the Missoula, Montana entrepreneur behind Love Dot and Love Zoelle. Zoelle has a beautiful eye for design, mind for business, and heart for serving — all of which serve her in her two businesses that she’s sharing about on this episode. Everyyyy purpose-driven creative entrepreneur will have something to gain from this conversation.
“Instagram is no longer a photo sharing app.”
When head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said that via an IGTV video this summer, I watched as photographers freaked the eff out on photography Facebook groups, on their stories, and yepppp my DMs.
Sooo… I wrote a free guide for YOU, photog friend. This guide is a DEEP DIVE into video marketing for photographers — not only do I provide tangible, actionable strategy for batching video content for YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, TikTok, and Reels, but I take the time to discuss the WHY of it all. Aannndddd this isn’t one of those guides where I throw up information on you that you have no hope of implementing during your busy photo season — I’m a working videographer and photographer, so I freaking get the struggle to implement a content creation strategy. As always, I’m here to meet you where you’re at with what you have
ZOELLE DEVLIN: Jewelry design, sustainable fashion, and running two businesses
psssttt…
join us in the Facebook group, your space for talking all things creativity + business!
missoula, montana based entrepreneur
Meet Zoelle Devlin, the entrepreneur behind Love Dot and Love Zoelle. Zoelle has a beautiful eye for design, mind for business, and heart for serving — all of which serve her in her two businesses that she’s sharing about on this episode.
ZOELLE DEVLIN
Helloooo and welcome back to the Montana Diaries Podcast, HOLYYYYY frick it’s Season 2 — we took a little bit of a break for the holidays but I’m beyond stoked for the lineup of guests coming up here in 2022. We’re alsooooo going to be adding in solo shows this year, so pleaseeeee let me know what topics you’d love to hear covered! You know I’m an open book when it comes to my business, so ask away — aannddd for those who don’t know me: I’m Shayna and I’m so freaking stoked you’re here because on today’s episode we have the lovely Zoelle Devlin, the Missoula, Montana entrepreneur behind Love Dot and Love Zoelle. Zoelle has a beautiful eye for design, mind for business, and heart for serving — all of which serve her in her two businesses that she’s sharing about on this episode. Everyyyy purpose-driven creative entrepreneur will have something to gain from this conversation.
Love Zoelle: Fine Jewelry
Zoelle started Love Zoelle 6 years ago — she was still in college and working multiple jobs when she started making and selling bracelets on the side. When she sold a couple hundred on Instagram, Love Zoelle was born. Within seven months, Love Zoelle was in 42 stores across the country.
Eventually, Love Zoelle transferred out of wholesale and into fine jewelry — today, you can find their private showroom in Missoula, Montana to shop their collection.
Growing a team
Zoelle’s first team member was a sub-contractor who created the jewelery she designed, and today she’s grown that production team to four members. Zoelle knew right away that delegating was key in her business — she is adamant that she surrounds herself with “people that are smarter than her.”
As for advice to other entrepreneurs to figure out what to delegate? Zoelle is big on writing down systems and processes to make delegation easier when it becomes obvious that you’re spread too thin.
Crafting a vision
When asked if she had a vision for where the company would go or if she took it in stride as she went, Zoelle was quick to say that she knew where she wanted the company to go. When family and friends would make suggestions, Zoelle was able to maintain focus because of her vision — no shiny object syndrome for her!
The vision? A personalized 1-1 experience where Zoelle was able to educate her consumer, and she acknowledges that she couldn’t provide that service if she chased the big wholesale goals.
Love Dot: The Sustainable Closet
Love Dot was born of Zoelle’s desire to give back by donating proceeds to charities that connect with her values, to highlight female entrepreneurs with interviews on the website, and to serve the types of women she interviews by filling a gap in the fashion industry that Zoelle has felt the effects of in the work force and in her entrepreneurial life. Zoelle’s vision for the product side of the brand includes curating 12-15 versatile, “seasonless” pieces for the woman on the go.
Educating consumers and messaging
One of the big challenges of building this new brand is educating consumers on the importance of sustainability. We chatted about content marketing and messaging, knowing the optics of a business, and understanding the price point weeding out certain demographics and offering alternative options for being sustainable.
Routines that serve life & business
Zoelle is bigggg on following routines that serve her life and businesses. She strives to get 8 hours of sleep, consistently meditate, and fuel her body with nutritious foods. Zoelle calls her morning routine “sacred,” and she takes time to do NOTHING.
All of this is made possible by her ability to delegate work items to her team — we’re both on business enabling our ideal lifestyles, and Zoelle is in alignment with that goal. Outsourcing allows Zoelle to honor her routines.
hey, photog friend!
If you’ve been wanting to learn videography with the gear you already own, I have a free guide just for you!
4 Leanna Krenik: How Her Personal Style Shaped Her Mindset and Career
Leanna Krenik is my dear friend and a Bozeman, Montana based photographer. In this episode of the Montana Diaries podcast, Leanna gets craazzzyyyy vulnerable about her feelings about her personal style and social perception shaped her creativity and career. Keep listening until the end because Leanna's mindset around keeping her personal life and marriage sacred paired with her thoughts about protecting her time are pure gold.
Leanna Krenik: How Her Personal Style Shaped Her Mindset and Career
Leanna Krenik is my dear friend and a Bozeman, Montana based photographer. In this episode of the Montana Diaries podcast, Leanna gets craazzzyyyy vulnerable about her feelings about her personal style and social perception shaped her creativity and career. Keep listening until the end because Leanna's mindset around keeping her personal life and marriage sacred paired with her thoughts about protecting her time are pure gold.
LINKS
Montana Diaries Videography for Photographers Waitlist
Hybrid Handbook: Starter Guide for Photographers Ready to Learn Videography
Montana Diaries Creative Vision Workshop