Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Aussant.
Shari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Mermaids on Cape Cod started out in 2013 as a little dream one sunny April morning- I thought a mobile boutique bringing mer-made items all over Cape Cod would allow me to be home with my kids while sharing my love of artisan designs & handmade gifts. I wanted to spend my time with Cape Codders and visitors alike. The bus became a reality 3 short months later and my small line of Official Mermaid Gear took off in waves! The OMG line is now nationwide and we continue to drive the big blue mermaid bus to house parties, offices, restaurants, and fundraisers all over Cape Cod & towns in Massachusetts. You can Book a Party next time you visit Cape Cod or Mass! The big news for 2018 is the Brick & Mortar location at 855 Main St, RT 28, West Dennis, Ma. We are super proud to have a place where you can always find us year round as part of a community.
In line with our mission to share the beauty of local Cape made items, we are now partnering with local businesses to promote artists, chefs, restaurants, and hidden gems on Cape Cod. Eventually, our partnerships will help protect the ocean and assist the animals who call the ocean home by making donations to National Marine Life Center. If you would like to know more about our mission, please keep your eyes on the Cape Cod Wandering Mermaid- our Instagram travel adventures! Our Fins Up line of clothing will donate 10% of net proceeds directly to the organizations in our area. Stay tuned for updates of what we accomplish together!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life always has its waves, the crests are what we live for but we have to enjoy the calm as well, too! Our crests were growing from 1 person to a 5 man team in less than a year but with that came challenges of 2 mobile boutiques, a warehouse, and growing online business. All challenges faced with LOTS of laughter and OMG, what is happening! We grew quickly and soon became a national brand- selling as far away as London and Australia! But when the call came and we could re-group and grow our little company into a lifestyle brand- we did so with grace, gratitude, and humility- grateful for all those who helped us to get to where we were and supporting those that were on the same journey. It isn’t easy to start a business, but passion keeps you moving forward. If you keep your Fins on the Crest, your sure to grow and enjoy every aspect of each part of the wave. NEVER lose sight of the shore, either. The people who helped you to get to where you are should always be part of your journey!
Please tell us about Mermaids on Cape Cod Boutique- Official Mermaid Gear.
Graduating from Umass, Amherst and their sister school in LaNapoule, France- I learned that any ocean is never too far to travel to gain inspiration. I love connecting people to beautiful objects- simple clothing like our beach beautiful boutique apparel (collected from all over the world ) or our line of custom artisan jewelry designed on Cape Cod. Mermaids on Cape Cod started with a focus on bringing art, jewelry, and apparel to our little hometown and turned into a lifestyle brand worn nationwide!
I have always wanted to make people laugh and smile- every week I host an online Live at 5 on Facebook and I allow myself to be truly me. I share the adventures of the week- some silly, some bold, but always with a smile. During the live- I show my fabulous followers the newest part of the collection and give them a discount during the happy hour. I have grown our following from 2,000 followers in 2014 to 20K followers combined in 2018! I love what I do but the thing I am most proud to share is we have hundreds of reviews and 99% are 5 stars!!!
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are in the best position ever to take the lead. We have the perfect opportunity to show that we are the future! So many direct sales companies are not only led by strong women but the tiers are 99% women run and the focus is targeted to strong, smart women. I find that women are only held back by their beliefs – if they want to succeed and believe they can, they WILL! My optimism is directed at anyone reading this- it is totally within your power to succeed!! Just believe in you and whatever your dream – it is time to turn it into a plan!
Contact Info:
- Address: Mermaids on Cape Cod
855 Main St-RT 28
West Dennis, MA 02760 - Website: www.MermaidsonCapeCod.com
- Phone: 508-369-1401
- Email: mermaidscc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsoncapecod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MermaidsCapeCod
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cape_cod-wandering-mermaid
Image Credit:
Mermaids on Cape Cod, Official Mermaid Gear
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