Lindsay Watne shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lindsay, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Patience. And I’m not good at that. Patience, but trust the process and the timing of everything.
We decided to close our storefront because the space wasn’t suiting us anymore, and we knew that. We want a bigger space, one that feels more like us. Where we can host more community events, offer more services and products to our customers. We were so lucky we were able to get out of our lease and let another local business take it over, which was perfect for them. Our old store front was the perfect place for us to really get started and to get a good feel for what we really wanted for a home for Lottie Lane.
We want a new space, but it has to be just right for us. And with that comes, patience. Waiting, but knowing it’s coming.
This time has also allowed me to become really intentional about a new store and what we truly want. This break has allowed us time to grow our candle business, and custom blinds and drapery. We have several arms to Lottie Lane and while the storefront is on a small break, we definitely aren’t and we’re so excited to see where this all leads us!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lindsay, and I’m the owner of Lottie Lane. What started as a home decor shop located in historic downtown Erie, has evolved into so much more. We added in the service of custom blinds and drapery, to help our customers continue to elevate and personalize their home, with local experts they know and trust. That side of the business has really taken off for us and it’s been so fun adding this for our customers!
A small curve ball was thrown our way in January, when one of our top selling candle brands at the shop (Sunday Candle) was up for sale. I reached out to the owner, and 30 days later, we were the proud new owners! One week after we purchased Sunday Candle, we were approached by Stranahans Whiskey (a local, Colorado whiskey distillery) to work with them on a custom candle collaboration. We learned SO much with this and had a blast! This custom candle collaboration, called Colorado Reserve, can be found on our website and also at the Denver distillery.
Another curve ball happened in June when were given the opportunity to get out of our lease for our storefront, spend the summer with our kids, and really think about what we wanted in a new space. Our first brick and mortar location, while it was so fun and special, was not going to be our forever home, and we knew that. We’re still on the hunt for a new location that allows us to have home decor products, a showroom for blinds and drapery, room for candles, community events and classes and so much more!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I thought my path was college then corporate world. Work forever in a corporate setting, retire.
I did start down that path. I was a finance/real estate major in college, then immediately after college, I was hired as a financial analyst for a major homebuilder. I lasted 10 months before I realized this was NOT my path. I come from a family of very successful and smart 9-5’ers, and I thought that’s what I had to do, too.
I could not stand to be in the office. Although, I had the best co-workers and bosses and they taught me so much and learned so much about spreadsheets!
I quickly realized I wanted to be my own boss. Do what I wanted, on my time and terms. I got my real estate license in 2008 (so many people told me I was crazy to get my license in 2008 when the market was awful), and hit the ground running. I had the full support of my husband (who had a steady paying job and health insurance, so I had the flexibility to go after my dreams!) and never looked back. I worked my tail off as a realtor for 12 years. I loved that I could be my own boss. Being an entrepreneur came with it’s own set of challenges, more with learning if I didn’t work, I didn’t get paid. I worked on vacations, I worked 7 days a week, I worked my tail off….and it caught up to me. I was tired of being gone in the evenings and weekends, showing homes. My kids were getting older, and I wanted more of my time back to be with them.
2020 hit, and what a ride that was! My family moved to Erie, real estate had slowed down, and I knew it was my chance to go after a dream—I had always loved interior design (even thought about going to school for it), and I loved shopping, so I decided to open Lottie Lane, and I guess they say, the rest is history.
I still do real estate, I love it too much not to. But I get to do it on my terms. I get to work with people I know and love, and locations close to home. It’s been the perfect balance with the shop, real estate and being an entrepreneur.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep going. It’s going to be hard and messy, and you’re not going to know what you’re doing most of the time, but keep going. It’ll be worth it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yep, it’s all me. The good and the bad! I show up on social media in no makeup, workout clothes, in my car, and also all put together at events. I feel like that’s how we can all relate to each other–I’m a real working mom, with working mom stresses (and blessings!). No sugar coating here, and I think that’s why I’ve developed such a rapport with the community of Lottie Lane (whom I love SO much! I truly have the best community!).
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a cheerleader for others. Always led with my heart. Listened to people and treated them as a human. Wanted the best for people. Followed my dreams and learned it was more about the journey then the end goal. Happy, but not afraid to be vulnerable and cry. Loved my people hard. Always wanted to have good time. Positive. I cared and wanted to make an impact. Loved margaritas (sorry, had to!).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lottielane.com/
- Instagram: @lottielane_andco
Image Credits
Shelley Coar Photography
