Name
Sonja Podjan
Where do you live?
Watervliet, MI
Company or Organization
The Enchanted Bead
What is your job or role there?
Owner as well as artist, designer and author
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
I think it is different for each individual woman. For me it is taking that chance, that leap of faith. Having the courage to do what you have to do to get the result you need for the vision that you have. I have never been fearless or unafraid but sometimes you just have to overcome that and make the hard decisions. You always have to be looking forward to what is next, what do you have to do next to make the ever growing dream become reality. Faith in yourself, strength of mind and character and love for what you do.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Confident
Courageous
Strong
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
I think the bravest thing I have ever done for my business is to move from my tine 160 sq. ft. “she shed” on my farm property to a downtown store front in the middle of Covid. What a leap of faith that was. I had been looking for a place to move to, for quite some time, so I could grow and never thought I would find the perfect location. But in February of 2021, while we were all still wearing masks and social distancing, I decided I had found the perfect spot and so it had to be the perfect time. And, it was. We continue to grow every day in a multitude of ways and will continue to dream bigger.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
When I had my “she shed” on the farm, we did an annual show. The actual store was to small so we set up tents with sides outside so we could spread out and still protect everything from weather. One year while setting up, Mother Nature decided that I needed to be tested. It rained, no poured, buckets, and it just kept raining. Every time I said it could quit anytime, it rained harder. We had unfortunately set the tent up in a low spot of the yard and there was a river 4″ deep running through it. We stood and laughed because, whatcha gonna do. Next day we had to put rubber mats down so no one would go sliding or sink in all the mud. It’s funnier now than it was then, I assure you.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
I am a very driven person, but I have a lot of wonderful loving people in my life that help me to be the best I can be. My husband Larry, he believes in my dream and supports me every step of the way. So many sister of the heart that encourage, listen and help me in so many ways. Customers also inspire me with their creativity and desire to learn and even their problems with a project. I am very blessed to be doing what I love and I enjoy every minute of it.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Jump in and do it. I started small and grew at a pace that I could handle. Surround yourself with people that encourage you and can see your vision. Make smart decisions, seek advice, listen to your heart as well. If you want it, find a way to make it happen, you won’t regret it.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
I am very honored and humbled to be among such an amazing group of women. I will do my very best to live up to the title of being a Bold Woman of Business.
