A pair of sisters run a good business that becomes a very successful business thanks to the coaching and support of Women in Business Coach, Marie Hope.

1. Case Study

2. Dandelion Jewelry consists of 5 boutique jewelry outlets in the Philadelphia area. Dandelion was
started by Beth Fluke in 1969 and became a well known and popular venue for people looking for
fun but quality jewelry. Dandelion works with individual artisans which allows them to provide
eclectic and often one of a kind jewelry pieces.

3. In 2011 Beth retired and her two daughters Leslie and Lellie bought the business. Now they support each
other in this joint venture. . As a family business created and run by women, they are committed to
empowering artists and minorities at home and abroad. I started working as a coach and consultant for
Dandelion shortly after Leslie and Lellie took over the company.

4. The sisters were feeling challenged by the prospect of assuming the responsibility of
not only running and managing the business but also taking it to the next level.
Revenues were down and because of the recession it was difficult to create effective
marketing to develop a demand for jewelry

5. The sisters were overwhelmed with dealing with crisis and trying to create a clear path
around their roles in relationship to each other and to their management and staff. In such a
climate it was impossible to make good business decisions. The business seemed stuck and
stagnant, they were overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward.

6. Our first steps were to analyze the business and define what was important in their business and in
their relationship as business partners so that we could move the business forward in a systematic
way.

7. My goal was to help them to work more on the business rather than just in the business. As an
objective observer I could see the 30,000 ft view, observing the big picture so that I could guide
them in business strategy.

8. Generally business owners can’t see the forest for the trees, they are too close to the
problem to be able to get the big picture and need and objective and uninvested observer
to be able to paint the big picture for them.

9. I was able to help them with this and so create a work situation where they were not
always constantly putting out fires but were keeping on track with realistic action plans that
made sure the fires did not happen in the first place.

10. We started to set up systems, train their staff more effectively and develop their middle
management to be able to take on many of the tasks that they were doing that was taking thier
time away from more important aspects of the business

11. SWOT ANALYSIS
We conducted a SWOT analysis becoming aware of the businesses
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats.

12. A Cohesive Business Plan
Because of it’s organic growth Dandelion did not have a clear business plan, we set
about rectifying that. There are many reasons that a company needs a good business
plan. We worked together on developing a solid business plan and set about step by
step building the business.

13. Leslie and Lellie
“We meet with Marie twice a month and she also works with each of us individually along
with our general manager
Marie helps us navigate some of the issues that sisters get into when they work together”

14. Marketing Plan
We developed a Marketing Plan, this outlined all the activities involved in achieving
their marketing objectives.

15. Strategic plan
Our next step was to build a strategic plan, This was used to set priorities, focus energy and resources,
strengthen operations, ensure that their employees are working towards common goals. It helped
establish agreement around intended outcomes/results.

16. Action Plans
Next came action plans. These helped all levels of the business know who was to do what,
when, and how. It kept everyone on track and helped everyone to stay accountable to
their responsibilities.

17. The Results
By working together with me to analyze, systemize, create effective policies
and procedure, participate in sales training, develop and follow a great
business plan and marketing plan. The sisters of Dandelion were able to take
their business from a 3 million revenue business to a 4 million revenue
business, in just 18 month.
Revenues increased
From $3 Million to $4 Million!
In Just 18months

18. 904-372-4458
Marie Hope