Dotted Tusk is a business ready for the future, and by that we mean their business is modern, very 2011. Many young entrepreneurs have the dilemma: do we get a store- front? Do we simply stay online? Do we distribute to other businesses? Dotted Tusk is no different. While the future may be up for interpretation, Alcock and Gladney certainly know what it takes to be dedicated, diligent, and ultimately successful. “Every business is different; everyone approaches obstacles in a different way, and we had to figure out what worked for us. Everything from dealing with a foreign country in and of itself, customs, shipping…we are still figuring out the process.” We all know the old adage: it’s who you know that gets your foot in the door. While that’s true for Alcock and Gladney, it’s a little more challenging when it’s India’s door you’re trying to reach. “After we decided we wanted to commit to this business, we both didn’t question that we wanted to go make personal face-to-face contact with our manufacturers and wholesalers. We wanted to know exactly where our stuff is coming from, who is making it, and under what conditions.” They wanted to meet with the folks responsible for what these two hope to be known for: Indian scarves. Scarves and shawls would ideally be their signature staple but jewelry and small gift sales will hopefully follow closely behind. In order to fulfill their wish of meeting manufacturers, the girls made their way to India. The challenges came in ways one could only imagine. From requesting warm water for showers to bargaining their way through town, the girls learned the tricks of the trade one step at a time. “Some places would try to charge us more on items just to see if they could. We did our research and knew the prices of Kashmir, silk, and other materials, and what we should pay.” Along with being educated on the prices of the materials, the two are using common sense. “Financially, we did a lot ourselves. We took out a sum of our own money from our savings accounts. Savings from birthdays, graduation presents,
October/November
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