Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Rosson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I went to Texas A&M University to study Finance and got a corporate job that brought me to Austin. I started Frankie Junior Co. 3 years ago to satisfy my more creative side, which I don’t get to show much at work. Over those three years, I’ve grown my following to over 2,000 animal lovers and established partnerships with other small businesses in the area. Creating dog bandanas has provided me with a way to connect with other Austin locals, grow my own personal brand, and of course see so many adorable dogs in my products.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In my experience, social media engagement and presence have been the biggest hurdles in starting a small business. Prior to launching Frankie Junior Co. I had no experience running a professional social media account, and I quickly realized how much impact it can have on a small business. Lack of consistency or engagement can be so detrimental, especially when you’re first getting things off the ground, and it can be very difficult to justify time spent online when there are orders to fulfill customer service messages to address, and all the other daily tasks that come with running an online business. I constantly work towards creating eye-catching and relevant content, and while I have definitely been successful in growing my following, I continue to view social media success as a hurdle to overcome.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Frankie Junior Co.?
My business is an online shop (through Etsy) for dog bandanas and other pet accessories. The shop is named after my second dog, Frankie, who is an Austin Pets Alive rescue. The brand and identity that I hope to convey through the shop is “Joy”. I believe that one of the best feelings in the world is walking around town or on a trail and seeing the cutest, happiest dog having a great day out with its family. That moment of elation or that joyous smile that comes to your face is the same type of emotion I want to convey through Frankie Junior Co. bandanas, and I do that with bright colors, adorable designs, and fun branding. I hope that when people see dogs wearing my products that it brings a smile to their faces. My proudest moments in my journey thus far have been surpassing 1,000 5-star reviews and establishing a partnership with Barkin’ Creek, a local pet boutique where Frankie Junior Co. bandanas are now sold.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do think I’ve been very lucky to have stability over the past three years, which has allowed me to continue to focus on growing my business despite all the turmoil in the world. I’ve been lucky to have professional stability in my full-time career, which has given me the financial freedom to invest in my business and stable growth in Frankie Junior Co., especially considering the volatile economic environment that we have experienced over the last few years. I was very uncertain as to whether I would be able to continue running the shop when the pandemic hit only one year in, but I’m incredibly lucky to be based in Austin where shopping small and local businesses is such widely supported ideal.
Contact Info:
- Email: FrankieJuniorCo@gmail.com
- Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/FrankieJuniorCo
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/FrankieJuniorCo
Image Credits
Adam Kealing Photography
