Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliette Bergeron.
Juliette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My husband and I lost our corporate jobs within a week of each other back in 2010. The unfortunate circumstances of that situation became a springboard for us realizing we would never work harder for anyone than we would for ourselves. We spent our long, unemployed days researching the probability of turning our hobby of refinishing furniture into a sustainable, family friendly career. We did our due diligence, wrote up a business plan, researched locations and in the end, we jumped, hearts first into Mill 77 Trading Company. We are about to open our second shop called Seaside Exchange in Salisbury further turning our dream into a reality!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My adventurous new career has not been a smooth road! I learned early on that every stumbling block would be a lesson learned and every smooth stepping stone would be a pleasure to take. My advice to women beginning their journey is to go all in. Follow your heart! Heavy is the head that wears the crown as my husband says. I get all the glory and praise when something goes right and I take all the heat and criticism when something goes wrong. Be prepared to work harder than you ever thought possible and listen carefully to every piece of advice you are given. It’s an honor that people want to share their experience with you. Use your goal as a guide when deciding what information is relevant to you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mill 77 Trading Company – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My Newburyport shop specializes in recycled, industrial and custom-made vintage and vintage style furniture and décor. The showroom is filled with talented dealers and it’s such a privilege working with this group of people that share our space. We also carry a wide range of new furniture and home décor so the appeal is to a wide-range of clients. My husband and I are personally passionate about recycling and upcycling older pieces of furniture. Our specialty here is our custom built farmhouse style dining tables. My husband personally and with great pride builds each table and they are, indeed, our crown jewel.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Meeting local small business owners is always a tremendous energy boost for me. It’s like yeah, we’re doing this! And we, little guys need to stick together! Networking with other small business owners in my neighborhood and referring business back and forth to each other truly works.
Contact Info:
- Address: 22 Graf Road
Newburyport, MA 01950 - Website: www.mill77.com
- Phone: 978-792-5046
- Email: jab@mill77.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mill77tradingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mill77/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mill77trading
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