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

Hi Vickie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After I lost my brother in 2013, I learned that life is short and I wanted to make mine matter. Immediately after, I started soul searching and digging into a life driven in purpose. A year later, I watched a video on screen printing and decided to start screen printing t-shirts. I wanted to spread hope into the world and I thought, what better way than a graphic tee. It’s like a walking billboard. I wanted people to find hope when they wore the shirt and simultaneously spread hope to others who they came into contact with. I never thought I would be a business owner. It wasn’t a dream of mine as a little girl or even a young woman. The dream started chasing me the more I looked into pursuing a life filled with purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Sweet Hive serves to pollinate the world with hope. We believe in giving more than we take – a business model we borrowed from the bees. We are blessed to be a blessing. 10% of all sales are donated to our furry friends over at Dallas Dog, a group of volunteers who do whatever it takes to rescue dogs off the street and high kill shelters. Our messages of hope which are screen printed by hand in our home studio located in Dallas, TX document messages that have helped me in my own personal journey. Whether it be patience, courage or perseverance – our messages encourage hope into others no matter what their journey is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite spots in the city the most simplest ones. I would start with a scenic walk around White Rock Lake, a place I frequent to relax my mind and get in tune with nature. We would visit coffee shops, walk around Klyde Warren Park, visit a few food trucks and of course watch a sunset at Reunion Tower.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have played a part in my journey, but it all starts with my brother. Losing him is what allowed me to realize that we are not promised tomorrow. Then there is my husband who has encouraged me and helped me from day one. He never dimmed my dream. Instead he pushed me to go after it no matter how insecure I felt. Along the way my favorite authors: Mark Batterson, Paulo Coelho, Bob Goff among others have left clues in their words to build my confidence and faith. There are many friends who celebrate me and pour encouragement on days when I feel like giving up. My parents constantly pour their advice and love into me so my cup always overflows. Lastly, and most importantly, my faith in God has been the key to never giving up.

Website: thesweethive.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesweethive
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesweethive

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