In this episode of Deepish, Chelsey and Sammy welcome Melanie Devore, the inspiring owner of One Love Babe, a successful women's clothing boutique. Melanie shares her journey from starting the boutique with just $300 to operating a flourishing business. She discusses her strategies for growth, the importance of passion, and balancing family life with entrepreneurial aspirations. Melanie also opens up about her personal health journey, including her decision to undergo a preventative mastectomy due to a high risk of breast cancer. Tune in for Melanie's valuable insights on business success, health, and the power of persistence.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
00:15 Melanie Devore’s Background and Business Journey
02:46 Melanie's Personal Life and Early Ambitions
09:59 Starting One Love Babe
14:15 Building the Business and Early Challenges
25:49 The Turning Point and Buzzfeed Feature
27:24 Unexpected Buzzfeed Boost
27:47 Overwhelmed and Seeking Help
28:38 First Employee and Early Growth
29:19 Financial Struggles and Reinvestment
30:07 Moving Out of the Basement
31:53 Chad Joins the Business
33:35 Designing the Windsor Dress
35:09 Expanding Product Lines and Inclusivity
42:03 Balancing Business and Family
52:45 Health Scare and Preventative Measures
01:00:21 Insurance Approval and First Surgery
01:02:16 Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery
01:03:18 Planning the Next Surgeries
01:03:44 Mastectomy and Reconstruction Details
01:07:21 Advocating for Preventative Surgeries
01:10:42 Balancing Business and Health
01:16:28 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals
01:18:12 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:23:01 Navigating Challenges and Staying Creative
01:26:41 The Joy of Brick-and-Mortar Stores
01:33:46 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
