We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my own business, it was really just a “let’s see what is possible” moment. A friend of mine has offered me a really great position in her company but it was a little bit of a pay decrease and I had been talking about starting to freelance for a bit. So I really thought, well maybe I can freelance enough to make up the different in the pay. At the time my family wasn’t really relying on my income much.

And then our world got flipped upside down. It turns out I was pregnant with baby #2 and my husband lost his job of 5 years. Suddenly, I HAD to make it work and I rose to challenge. During those first few weeks I nearly went back to my old job, the position was still open but I knew I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t try.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Product Powerhouse is a web design agency and education resource for handmade businesses owners. We primarily work with women to learn to leverage the power of Shopify to grow and scale their handmade e-commerce business. We work with so many talented makers from jewelry designers, candle makers. boutiques, pottery makers, digital product shops and so many more.

My mission is to show women, especially mothers. that their dreams are possible! You can have a business that fuels your passion and feeds your family. This is what I’ve done in my own business and this what the women I’ve worked with over the last 6 years have done.

It certainly won’t be easy and you will probably question why you are putting yourself through this. I know I do at least once every month of two, but it’s so worth it. Nothing will make you more proud than seeing the results from pouring your heart and soul into your business.

On those days you want to quit, you can look back at how much you’ve done and then you’ll know without a doubt that you couldn’t quit if you tried.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way. My husband has supported me completely from day one. My family, especially my sister and brother-in-law and my mother in law, they have always been there to help me with juggling my childcare. I have an amazing circle of friends who always cheer me and talk me off the ledge when things are hard; Katie, Brianna, and Jeana are my most trusted lifelong supporters.

The biggest chunk of credit goes to my best friend, Shaina. She’s a fellow business owner, so she completely understands the day to day life of running a business and the struggles. She has been by my side since the day we met. She celebrates every win with me and she’s there when I’m crying and ready to quit. I couldn’t do this without her.

Website: www.productpowerhouse.co

Instagram: www.instagram.com/product.powerhouse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/productpowherhouse/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqf5XlFWZxvt5410_YiIVag?sub_confirmation=1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.