Meet Toni O’Dell | Maker & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Toni O’Dell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toni, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I decided to start my own business because I was a stay at home mom with creativity running through my veins. I was fortunate enough to have the time (and patience) to learn various techniques and crafts and determine what I enjoyed most. I’ve always loved the hustle and grind of working and the thought of being my own boss while expanding my creative knowledge and skill was a dream come true.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Looking back at my childhood, I’ve always been creative. I painted ceramics with my mom, helped build wood projects with my dad, and loved art classes in school. Turning that creative energy into a business was a challenge. I needed to figure out and narrow down exactly where I wanted to focus my efforts and landed on fabric. My mother did a lot of sewing and I wish I would have taken the time to learn more as a child. It would have definitely cut down on the number of YouTube videos I had to watch as an adult. I’ve reached a place in my business where I feel really confident in my products, designs, and brand. I strive every day to learn something new, grow my business, and get my name out there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Antonio is full of so much culture and life. My best friend is actually visiting next week and we have lots of things planned. My favorite coffee shop is Rustic Bean Cafe. Another favorite is Commonwealth Coffee (their almond croissants are divine). We also love going to the farmers market at The Pearl on the weekends. My favorite steak is at Tejas Rodeo & Steakhouse. The best cucumber martinis can be found at a little speak easy type bar called The Green Lantern. Of course, visiting the Alamo and taking a walk along the Riverwalk is the quickest way to soak in some San Antonio history. There’s so much to see and do here. It’s hard to list it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to my family! They’re my biggest fans and cheer the loudest. My husband and son help me with all the heavy lifting (seriously, they help me set up for pop ups and markets) and my daughters are the first opinions I ask for when it involves anything on the creative side. Having them in my corner means the world to me.

Website: www.thecheerfulroost.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecheerfulroost

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecheerfulroost

Image Credits
Brittany Paul Photography