Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Amy Peterson, owner of Rebel Nell.
Amy is more than a local business owner. She also has recently started taking surfing lessons, climbed Kilimanjaro, and has run four marathons. It seems like there are no limits to what Amy can achieve and do!
We asked Amy to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know Amy and her business, Rebel Nell, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“I knew I wanted to start a business to help the women in shelters but I wasn’t exactly sure how I wanted to do that. One day, I was out for a run on a well-known bike path in Detroit and it had been filled with murals and I saw a piece of fallen street art on the ground and recognized how beautiful it was. I thought it was so cool on the surface but there were so many layers of art and I wanted to figure out how to expose all the layers. My business partner and I realized how beautiful it would be made into a piece of jewelry and soon after, Rebel Nell was born.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
What is the best business advice you've ever been given?
“Get an accountant early. Don’t wait until you “need” one because by then, it usually means you made mistakes. We are all tight on funding during the startup phase and think we can handle QuickBooks or accounting software on our own. I have seen many entrepreneurs end up having to get an accountant or bookkeeper late in the game and they end up paying more to fix the mistakes they made.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that? How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Before the idea of Rebel Nell was born I was working as a sports attorney with the Detroit Tigers. Along the way, I was told that I would never be able to make it in that industry as a female and you know what, I made it. I started out working for the Detroit Tigers as an intern and climbed the ladder. After 11 years of working with them, I left in 2013 to pursue Rebel Nell full-time. Now I spend every day supporting women.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“My goal of starting this business was to help women in shelters. We put our mission first and foremost. Every product sold has a direct impact on the incredible women we serve. There are so many personal stories from each of the 34 women we have helped get out of shelters and I know this will have a lasting impact on their lives which means the most to me.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2022?
“The pros are that there is a lot of love in this community for women business owners. The challenge is that the funding opportunities for women business owners are still not equitable.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“You only have one shot at this life, do something that makes you happy.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I am fortunate to have so many role models for all different aspects of my life. I am surrounded by an incredible and supportive family, women entrepreneurs, and community leaders. I really value my parents, Cindy Pasky, the CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, and almost every small business woman I meet. I also participate in many women-led networking events and groups.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“I would rather have tried and failed than wondered what if. Although our new team motto is, “We will get there.””
What's your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Belle Isle.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Rebel Nell on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
