On today's episode, Chris interviews Megan Hodges, founder of The Dowry - an ethically-minded wedding gift registry and curated artisan marketplace. They discuss Megan's journey as a business owner, the transition of skills from a corporate career to a start up company, the mission behind The Dowry, and Megan's experience in digital marketing. Enjoy! Follow Chris on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/FortWorthChris Learn more about Chris Powers and Fort Capital: www.FortCapitalLP.com Visit The Dowry: www.TheDowry.co Contact Megan: megan@meganhodges.org Megan's Favorite Book: Soft Selling in a Hard World (01:47) — Megan’s Career Before Founding The Dowry (07:22) — What was the inefficiency you addressed at your previous job? Do you think there are many employees who notice inefficiencies at big companies but never say anything? (09:56) — Why have you gravitated toward marketing and sales? (12:52) — Was there a moment when the lightbulb went off to start The Dowry? (18:36) — The Dowry and Its Mission (23:52) — When did you officially launch The Dowry? (28:52) — Are people spending more on gifts since they are not spending money on weddings (due to COVID)? (30:20) — What was the process of building out The Dowry website? (33:56) — How has the process of finding artisans evolved? (38:34) — Do you remember the first artisan who finally said "yes"? (40:00) — How do you find artisans? (43:19) — What does your criteria for finding artisans look like? (45:51) — Do most artisans sell their goods on other platforms as well? (47:46) — Are the majority of people buying gifts actually invited to the wedding? (51:36) — How did you pivot to raise capital in March when COVID hit? (56:32) —  When do you think weddings will start to take place again? What do you see a year from today? (1:00:07) — Who taught you digitally market? (1:05:30) — What is a naming convention? (1:07:39) — What is the best way to reach your customer? (1:10:43) — What does digital marketing look like for your company specifically? (1:13:35) — How do you feel about Amazon? (1:16:30) — How big is your target market? (1:18:29) — What advice would you give to a potential entrepreneur? (1:20:20) — Do you have a morning routine? (1:20:51) — What is the best advice you have ever received? (1:21:50) — What is the best book you have ever read? (1:23:14) — How can people contact you? The FORT with Chris Powers is produced by Straight Up Podcasts