Meet Theresa Cronin | Owner – Twee Bird Shop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Cronin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, what do you attribute your success to?
Not to be too cliche, but I really believe you have to not care what anyone will think about what you are doing. Fear will hold you back from taking a chance! I know a few years ago I would have been way too self conscious to put myself out there in this way. You have to shut off the little whisper in your head saying, “Will people even like this?” , “What if people make fun of me?”, “Are my instagram posts annoying?!” , and just go for it ! Who cares!

Also, I think being real is so much more appealing than pretending you are perfect on instagram. I do all of my business via instagram- and I like to just post funny , goofy, real life posts and captions ! Instagram can be so toxic this day and age. So many “influencers” post their everyday life looking so perfect and dreamlike. It makes you feel bad about yourself. I think its refreshing and people like to see a normal everyday person with a platform. (or at least I do!)

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have always been a huge huge dog lover. I have a golden retriever named Caper. So I really just began making him custom bandanas because I couldn’t find any cute ones I liked online. I then started making some for my friends and their dogs just as a little gift, they posted about it on insta and it took off from there. As I gained more followers and saw people liked my work, I got more confidence and started making more accessories than just dog bandanas. I make jewelry, headbands, and bandanas for people . My bandanas and headbands have been a huge hit in the Bachelorette world. I never would have expected that, but I love it! I love al the photos my customers send me. There is absolutely nothing cuter than a baby in a custom bandana ! It’s crazy how many people you can reach via instagram. I’m so thankful for the amount of business it has given me! I think it’s super important to stay active on your business instagram account. Posting stories, instagrams, interact with your followers and customers, etc. You want people to see your work and ensure your aren’t forgotten!

My Twee Bird Shop is actually my side business! I work full time at a Tax Resolution Firm as an Enrolled Agent. Balancing both of these jobs has been my biggest challenge. I usually wake up early and make some orders, go to work, then make more orders when I get home if I have time. I work alone also so it can be pretty overwhelming. I’ve learned its OKAY to ask for help ! I am so lucky to have amazing friends and family who are always wanting to help.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am in Birmingham, AL. We would definitely eat dinner at Bottega Cafe & Chez Fon Fon at some point. Frank Stitz is the chef. He is Birmingham’s James Beard Award winning chef &- his restaurants are so amazing ! Birck and Tin for lunch in Mountain Brook Village, then go hit some of the shops nearby. ETC., Amano, & Tulipano are my fave! I love to exercise outdoors so we would walk Jemison Trail with our dogs. Its so beautiful and lots of swimming spots for the doggies ! Birmingham has a lot of great Breweries. It’s so fun to spend a nice Saturday or Sunday outside at one with friends. And your dogs! Downtown Homewood is one of my favorite places to go. It has a really cute street filled with all sorts of great shops.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my older sister Kate! She came up with my business name. She has been my biggest cheerleader and helped me so much throughout this entire process.

Instagram: @TweeBirdShop