She began her career with some well known designers like Victoria Hagen and John Saladino, but when Krista Fox went out on her own, she was excited to create her own aesthetic. Krista leans towards clean sophisticated designs and incorporates organics and natural elements, “I love the colors and textures found in stone, wood and other unusual finishes.

Krista found a need to deliver finishing items for rooms she was working on. She pulled together a collection of pieces that included lamps, throws and pillows to incorporation into projects. And then Krista thought it would be fun to offer these items in a bricks and mortar store through a pop up shop in her home town of New Canaan, CT.

“There was a great space that would work perfectly so I signed on for three months.” Now she needed a name for her new venture, “I thought of what I would offer; things I find or things that are a find. The word find can be a noun or a verb and I liked the idea so I went with FIND.” Choosing a clean, graphic font, Krista had her brand and now could add to her line of “finds”, to create a lifestyle line to go with her design business.

But she didn’t stop with lamps and pillows. In her travels she came across other products that she wanted to share with her following. “I met the most amazing coffee roaster and we developed an organic blend for FIND. I found some interesting wooden trays that are perfect for display or serving appetizers. We added candles, sheep skin floor rugs, jewelry and scarves.” Her shop was filling up.

Now she had a full time store and needed help to man it, (or woman it.) So who did she reach out to, “I knew several moms whose kids were in school. Basically I asked over qualified friends to be a part of my tribe. Susan Dunlop stepped up to be store manager and Lisa Foley did a masterful job as Christmas buyer and merchandiser.”

Krista hired these local moms, educated them on her found items and she had her staff. Each mom knows a different group of friends, so not only were these women running the cash register and helping shoppers but they were also spreading the word about the shop and bringing in a new crowd each day. Krista says, “This circle of friends have been instrumental in developing the website, designing graphics, helping with deliveries and providing me with fabulous advice.”

And then Krista again went one step further, “I now had the perfect venue to bring in speakers, authors and artisans. I loved the idea of sharing people’s ideas and stories with my friends and followers.” Last month she has Donny Raus of the Farmer’s Market who shared his cold brewed coffee. And VentureMom Lynne Mercein showcased her jewelry at FIND. Krista has had several interesting book authors in and has more planned for the new year.

Krista’s three children love that their mom is expanding her career and her husband even gets into the shop every now and then. “One day I had a to run out and leave him in charge. When I came back a customer was walking out with five bags. He was thrilled and says it’s been great to be a part of the success.” Speaking of success, the pop up shop has been so well received that Krista has extended her lease until June. Sometimes that’s how ventures roll, you start with one plan and end up with another.

VentureMom Tip
What can you add to your current service that is an extension of what you offer.