From Side Hustle to Full Time
Let's rewind to the summer of 2020! Like a lot of the newer businesses, this is when Cola Stacks started! Two friends by the pool said, "Let's make bracelets." So, we bought supplies, created our own unique styles, and met at Blum Coffee the next day. We created the instagram account, created the logo, and ordered branded material. It was really that simple. Never in my wildest dreams, did I think Cola Stacks would actually become a real business.For the first year and a half, Cola Stacks were only sold via Instagram. The pop-ups were very minimal because both of us had full time jobs. With that being said, my friend decided to focus on her career and I continued with Cola Stacks as a side hustle.
The website (this one!) launched in May 2022. This was a huge step for Cola Stacks that allowed space for a lot of growth. The website reached customers that had not been ordering via Instagram for the last two years. Weekend pop-ups became the norm, and I took a leap and signed up for the Junior League Holiday Market in Columbia, SC. Without really knowing what I was really doing, this long weekend event became the deciding moment that Cola Stacks could be my full time job. Being a slightly spontaneous person, who really trusts in God's plan, I gave my notice to my "real job" the week after the Holiday Market. On December 9th, 2022, Cola Stacks became my full time job!! ** cue all the celebratory emojis **
This led to the season of pop-ups!