Meet Tachiana Gunness | Founder & Owner of Sorted Olio

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

Hi Tachiana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am a born and raised Miamian, a first generation American, the youngest and only daughter. I grew up surrounded by a family full of entrepreneurs within a full range of industries throughout my life both domestically and internationally. Throughout my career I’ve held a variety of roles within different industries ranging from motorsports dealerships, corporate gyms to corporate America fortune 500 retail. Most recently I had the opportunity to move to California to be a part of a special project that shaped the future of brick and mortar retail for one of the world’s leading athletic and sportswear brands. I owe my love and dedication to create and build my own company, fueled by passion, dedication and a desire to provide to my family and my professional experiences. As time passed throughout the years while working for these global brands I knew that I wanted to create and start my own business. I honestly did not know exactly what or how but I knew that I did not want to work for a large corporation forever. I continued to work on my business plan as I was living in both Miami and California, taking the time to really think through what fuels me, what I am passionate about and how I want to make a difference, and that is how Sorted Olio was created. Sorted Olio was not always what it is today, it has grown and developed from just a small thought and idea to an actual company serving the community and today it continues to evolve to the present time and needs. Within my professional experience I knew that although brick and mortar is not necessarily going to become obsolete there is a huge shift to e-commerce and there is only more to come in the future. I knew I wanted to construct a future not just for myself but also many others at the same time. I wanted to build a company that creates and supports the local community, local being relative because you have access to all communities at a click of a mouse or tap of a screen through e-commerce. Sorted Olio is focused on providing access to a variety of products and services while serving through simplicity, convenience, integrity and trust. We are passionate about helping and supporting reconnection by utilizing digital and technology as a tool and resource rather than a wedge in human connection. I am determined to create a future for myself, family, the S.O. team and the S.O. community as we continue to create and serve by providing access to unique and quality products and services while saving you money.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sorted Olio is a Miami, FL based, woman owned small business. Olio is defined as a miscellaneous collection. Just like a sorted olio we provide access to a variety of collections of products and services in one convenient location, at the ease of your fingertips and at your convenience. We are a full-service e-commerce specialty shop that is built on a foundation of providing quality, simplicity and convenience while serving through integrity and trust. We are devoted to our consumers, Local Artisans and Small Business Partners, the S.O. community. I am truly proud of our mission, and stand by our beliefs. It is our mission to create and support local communities by providing access to quality and unique products and services while saving you money. We partner with local Artisans creating a platform to share their creations with you while we sort out the “not so fun” logistics allowing them to focus on their art and creativity. As a small business we have a love for supporting other small businesses. We strive to provide access to exclusive products and services only available on sortedolio.com from other small businesses near and far. We are dedicated to helping and supporting to connect people with people by utilizing both technology and digital as tools and resources rather than a replacement of human connection. It is so important to us that we stay connected with our S.O. community, between the live chat available on sortedolio.com or the handwritten notes in each and every order, we are passionate about remaining at our roots and staying personal. When you are chatting online with a representative you are speaking directly with a live S.O. team member, we decided not to utilize the bots and stay connected. Each order is completed with a handwritten personalized thank you note that includes a fun little message specific to you and your order. “Starting a business” has become a very common phrase in today’s society. Whether it is joining an established foundation or drawing up the blueprints yourself, each having their own challenges. I was and continue to be of no exception. I decided to start this business as a single owner company, it was a carefully thought out decision but not an easy one in any fashion. Being a single owner means you are wearing not just many hats but all of the hats, all at the same time. The challenges vary from day to day and it is truly a learning process but one that has taught me so many lessons in a very short time period. Some of those challenges vary from daily operations, marketing strategies that are constantly evolving and changing or even inventory management behind the scenes. Taking a breath can seem so simple but at a testing moment or situation can feel the most challenging. There are constant actions and habits I do personally to help me either prepare or work through these moments. To keep me both mentally and physically ready to take on the challenges I ensure to protect 2 hours a day to myself. This is the time I get into the gym and do a different type of work. I disconnect (as much as possible – because I mean business owner’s minds are a nonstop wheel) and enjoy my weight training. It might be “work” but it is my time to give back to myself. I work on simplifying other parts of my life such as preparing my food and taking it to the office so I do not have to worry or think about how, what or when I can get a meal in. I am a bit old school and love a good ol’ physical planner. The simplicity of writing something down can close multiple tabs in a mind full of open windows, just like our computer desktops. The feeling of checking off a to-do list, or crossing something out allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment when some days feel extra long but not necessarily the most productive. Challenges will never truly end, but we have the opportunity to learn from each of them, big or small. Taking those lessons and applying it to the future has been a big part of my journey. I learn so much from just talking to people, friends, family and hearing from our S.O. Community. A huge part of Sorted Olio is how we can make things easier, more convenient while saving you money without compromising on either quality or experience. We want to understand what is missing or what is an inconvenience so we can get to work, sort through and simplify it for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I knew this city was so special even before I moved away to live in California, but I didn’t know exactly how special it was to me. Although Miami is not all I know, it has always been home. I was raised in a very Caribbean household but was very fortunate to grow up surrounded by such diversity of ethnicities and cultures. As I lived away from my family, friends and home I yearned for the tastes from Miami. I would talk endlessly about it with the team, my friends and also Miamians that moved to LA (the feeling was mutual). Trips back home were filled with visits to friends and family but also favorite restaurants and Miami gems. Each time I flew back to LA I would try to bring a little taste of Miami back for the team, whether it was a guava pastelito or some homemade Trinidadian food. I was so excited to move back home after being away, to experience the new mature Miami, the way it has grown and evolved. It’s like experiencing a new piece of a familiar memory. Some of my Miami favorites have changed along the years due to closures or expansions but for me the city itself is just so much more than the club life and parties. Some of my favorites include… Grab some time on the beach… I mean really get on the beach, not Ocean drive and 5th ave, get your toes in the sand and disconnect for a few hours. There is something about salty air and a fresh breeze in Miami that is just relaxing and rejuvenating. If it is possible, find a way out into the beautiful blue ocean. Whether it is just to cruise the open waters or head to a local favorite Haulover beach sandbar and dock with the locals, the salt life of Miami is truly one of my favorites. Take a drive down Old Cutler Road… throw your windows down and turn the radio up as you drive down the winding road. As the sun is slowly setting and the wind is blowing through, you will forget that you are in the city known for flashy lights, loud music and club door bouncers. Head out west to Krome ave, to many this is just a simple two lane road. If you time it with one of Miami’s gorgeous sunsets you will be pleasantly surprised by the view those large farming fields will give you. Make it a day out west, head over to a local favorite, Robert Is Here fruit stand. Enjoy their large variety of fresh fruit and small market but without a doubt grab one of their delicious and famous fruit smoothies. When it comes to feeding the belly, find the neighborhood mom and pops, they are full of great service and delicious food. You will feel right at home. A favorite of mine is Anacapri Pinecrest. An authentic Italian restaurant right off US1. Filled with delicious food, a vast wine selection and a small market stocked with imported Italian favorites. Another amazing and delicious mom and pop spot is Thatch, located in Midtown Miami. It is a plant forward menu that is made from scratch daily from locally sourced ingredients. Looking for some nightlife… skip the tourist filled loud overcrowded clubs. We are full of hidden gems and hideaways such as a The Regent club, this speakeasy is known for their mixologists and live music or Lagniappe House Miami wine bar set as an outdoor backyard experience with great live music, charcuterie boards and community seating on a patio filled with natural greenery and vintage inspired string lights.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Starting a business as a single owner does not mean that you have to do it all alone and well the fact is you truly aren’t alone. I want to dedicate my shoutout to those who have been a part of the journey in any and all capacities. I try to find the words or actions to show my appreciation as much as possible, but the amazing support system I have deserves so much credit and recognition. As we know, support looks different for everyone and throughout this process and journey I credit all who have and continue to play a role whether they know it or not. First and foremost, thank you to my family for believing in my dream and listening to my unwearied discussions on all things Sorted Olio. It is truly a gift to be able to have business conversations with many of the family members who inspired me throughout my life as they created their own futures and companies themselves. Without a doubt my Dad deserves so much acknowledgement, his endless love and support has fueled me. A very special thank you to a mentor, a friend and inspiration, Dr. Billy Jones. Thank you for believing in me for over 21 years throughout all of my chapters of life as well as my Sorted Olio dream. A special appreciation to all who have been a part of the journey, from waking up early on opening day to ensure you were the first official Sorted Olio orders, Peter and Francine. Or endless conversations talking through ideas and concepts, Steph, photoshoots Frankie, Felix and Lu or listening and supporting from afar Maillard. There are so many I want to drop all of their names because they deserve so much recognition, the list can go on forever. A huge thank you to all who have ordered and continue to order from S.O., you are not just a client or consumer you are the S.O. community. We do it for you and would not be here without you! Thank you to the continuously returning S.O. community such as Fettas International, Marc you are much appreciated. And to Someone To Do It and the entire team, I can’t thank you enough for being a huge part of our story. To all of the Local Artisans and S.O. Small Business Partners, thank you for trusting and allowing us to be a part of your journeys as we share your exclusive products, services and creations with the S.O. community. Thank you to all who have followed, liked, shared and saved on social media. We know that social media is a huge part of business as well as how these “small” acts make a huge impact for our small businesses.

Website: www.sortedolio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SORTEDOLIO/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tachiana-gunness-90598548

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SortedOlio/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SortedOlio/_shop/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mstachiana_/

Image Credits
Luanne Kadish Frankie Chang Felix Bonilla