Need Want Wear Share- Columbus, Ohio
I had so much fun with Melody and Aliane (better known as Mel and Ali), the dynamic duo of Need Want Wear Share based out of Columbus, Ohio.
They are the collectors, designers and distributors of a quarterly subscription box for “The Every Mom.” Mel and Ali also run the CbusMamatribe– situated on Facebook and Instagram- aimed to help moms not lose THEMSELVES in Motherhood.
In 2019, the CbusMamatribe was established to offer bi-monthly events to the moms in their community. By 2020, a lovely bi-product of COVID-19, Need Want Wear Share was created.
Need Want Wear Share was born out of Mel and Ali’s desire to for moms to still take time for themselves, while the monthly offerings of the CbusMamatribe was being suppressed due to the pandemic.
Who is the before person? What was she doing and feeling?
Ali was teaching dance- her and her husband own Integrity Athletics in Columbus, Ohio. Her kids had started school and she was in “now what do I do?” mode. Ali met Melody at the preschool her child attended, and just as their kids became fast friends, so did Mel and Ali. Melody was in the event industry prior to having her second child, but then became a stay at home mom.
How did this opportunity present itself?
Mel and Ali began to “hang out” together while their kids were at school. They thought every mom deserved some hangout time and time to herself, and the CbusMamaTribe was born. They enjoyed planning and executing bi-monthly events for local mamas… until the 2020 COVID pandemic came about.
The two came up with Need Want Wear Share as a way to continue to support mamas (and small businesses), local and afar. They designed, dreamt up, and executed the quarterly subscription boxes to pamper moms with something they need, something they want, something to wear and something to share.
When did you know you were going to jump in?
Mel and Ali admit they had been talking about the concept for Need Want Wear Share since even before the pandemic. They didn’t want to wonder “what if?” Together, they had the confidence they could do it and jumped in with a “Let’s Do This!!” mindset. They sat on their back patios together and just figured it out as they went.
What went into the decision-making process?
I love this from Ali:
“It’s like improv, you always say ‘yes, and…’ ”.
They got a contract together and said “sign here.” These two show, and acknowledge, that they have so much trust amongst them.
What were some roadblocks or obstacles?
There hasn’t been many roadblocks for this duo. They did tell me about a time that they were not allowing enough leeway for the local vendors to get their product to them, and that there can be some hiccups getting the products, but really there hasn’t been a mountain to climb.
They are now at a speed bump and are brainstorming ways to continue their growth since “you can only get so far on social media.”
What would you have done differently if you could? Any regrets?
At this question, Mel and Ali look at each other and smile and said “NOTHING!”
They did reminisce to the time they discovered their vendor software was assumed to allow things to auto-renew subscriptions, but that didn’t turn out to be true.
They also offered free shipping at the outset of the venture, but quickly learned that a flat rate shipping rate was better for the business upkeep. GET THIS! … They also do hand deliveries for local orders!
One piece of advice for current and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Ali: “Trust your instincts.”
Mel: “Go with your gut.”
Together: “It’s not like everyone is going to like everything, every time, but that’s ok.”
What is the goal for the business now?
Mel and Ali would love to grow Need Want Wear Share within Columbus and outward to the rest of the United States. They want to continue to highlight small businesses and their products, and keep driving back business to that small business.
[I love the pride and support that they show with this!]
How are things going currently?
Ali and Mel both agree the process thus far has been great. They stand by their product “100%.” The reviews and feedback have all been wonderful. They are just beginning to wonder: “what is the next piece we are searching for? How do we grow to the next level?”
Who were the most instrumental people in your team/ start up process?
“US! Really, just us. Oh, and our husbands are supportive (insert endearing giggles).” They go on to tell me how they load everything into Mel’s basement when the quarter comes, situated amongst her kid’s legos and nerf guns, and tag and pack everything by hand and with love.
Side note: their kids are also wonderful helpers and love going to deliver boxes, etc. alongside their moms. <3
Where do you see the business going/ accomplishing in the future?
“We want the box everywhere!”
… and, more stable/predictable income and self-sustaining business.
Anything else to know? Are there other big pieces to the story we have not discussed?
Being moms in business, they are literally squeezing it all in during the 12:00 -2:00 while their kids are at school, parked at soccer, and after their children’s bedtime. They are feeling that in the New Year, they would like to set more parameters around this. They hope to make more in-person connections with local moms and businesses in the new year ahead.
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So??!! What are you waiting for? Order the next Need Want Wear Share box…. Or, better yet, sign up for the quarterly subscription. These ladies truly have good taste and good intentions. Watch with me as they lead, entertain and inspire the CbusMamatribe!
Find them on Instagram:
And sign up to be “in the know” on https:/needwantwearshare.com
Know another inspiring business that should be featured? CONTACT ME