Daily Inspiration: Meet Lynn Woods

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Woods.

Hi Lynn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a creator of mugs. I would make them for family and friends. One day I was on social media and saw an amazing bling cup. I absolutely fell in love! I’d been wanting to take my mugs to the next level and when I saw that cup, I thought, “I can add bling to my mugs!” That naturally led to blinging cups, wine glasses, shoes, you name it, I started blinging it! Once I perfected the process, I officially started my business. Today, I attend local maker markets and those are so much fun! I love meeting my customers in person.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! I don’t think there is anything smooth about entrepreneur life. When I say that, I mean that there will be bumps in the road. Every day isn’t perfect, there will be days when you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” That’s why it’s so important to have passion for what you do if you’re going to be an entrepreneur because if you’re in it solely for the money, on the days when you have no sales, you’ll question yourself even more.

Even though I’d been blinging for years, I did not officially start my business until 2020. I launched and then two weeks later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Talk about being caught off guard! I’d strategized that local markets would be a big part of getting the word out about Back to the South Bling. Well, if you can’t have markets, that changes everything!

Rather than sit around and dwell on how my plan was out the window, I took the time to create a new plan! It was tough, but it also teaches you the danger of having all of your eggs in one basket.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom bling drinkware and accessories. You will find cups, mugs, wine glasses, straws, flasks, and other drinkware and accessories at Back to the South Bling. I’m known for the sparkly cups and glasses and for having unique gifts. What sets me apart from others is that my customers know they will have something unique. Because each glass or Swarovski rhinestone is placed individually, no two cups or glasses are ever alike! I’m big on presentation, which I have my Mom to thank for and so not only is your cup beautiful, but it’s also important to me that your packaging is amazing. I want you to be excited about the package and the product! 🙂

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find an entrepreneur in crime! There are going to be days when you’ll need someone to bounce ideas off of, for support, a shoulder to cry on when things don’t go quite right, and someone to celebrate with you when things go great.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and ask for help. Raleigh has such an amazing maker community. There is support if you ask. If someone isn’t willing, that’s okay, you will find someone.

I go to markets even when I’m not a vendor to meet other makers. It’s a great way to see them in their element and a chance to learn more about the person behind the business.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://BackToTheSouthBling.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/BackToTheSouthBling
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/BackToTheSouthBling

Image Credits
Ciarra Photography and Back to the South Bling