Meet Tawni Jedwski of Lemonality

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tawni Jedwski.

Hi Tawni, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started Lemonality in August 2016. I gave birth to my first baby in June of that year and had full intentions of returning to my job as a paralegal in September of that year. However, I just couldn’t seem to leave my boy and decided to finally start that Etsy business that I had been dreaming of doing for years but just never had the time. I have always been a creative person and truly enjoyed creating things. I started my Etsy business (Lemonality Design Studio) in August of that year. Within 18 months, I was fully supporting my family of three in this business. However, through the pandemic and having another baby, I became very isolated. I was working roughly 18-20 a day and hardly leaving the house. The other issue was the rapidly increasing costs of materials and shipping costs. I also missed the social aspect of life. With my son starting kindergarten this year, I finally decided to take the plunge and open my first brick-and-mortar. This is where Lemonality – home. Paper. The gift was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This hasn’t been an easy journey, but certainly, one that I have put my whole heart into. I had never worked a day of retail in my life until I opened my doors. Some struggles along the way have been deciding what brands and products to carry, the extended ship times in order to get products, and just that it took much longer than expected to get to the point of opinion my doors. I was hoping to open within 30 days, but it took me a full 3 months of daily work.

We’ve been impressed with Lemonality, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My store is a classic gift store. I sell specialty gift wrap by the sheet and roll, greeting cards, candles, cocktail mixers, fun graphic t-shirts (lots of them being KC-inspired), planners, notebooks, lotions, soaps, drinkware, home decor items, fun snacks and treats, party supplies, lots of Kansas City inspired gifts and decor and so much more! We also offer fresh farm flowers in the store that get delivered weekly! I want people to know that they have a one-stop gift shop in our local community. Our products are mostly from small business owners or other local makers in the KC area. We do also offer free gift wrapping with the purchase of gift wrap in our store. I want customers to have fun when they come into my store.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite childhood memory would have to be my yearly family vacations with my family. I always loved having that time with my family. Now that I am Mom it is always one of my favorite times with my kids as well. It’s a great reminder to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy time with my family. Especially while my babes are still young, as I know this time goes way too fast!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shoplemonality.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shoplemonality
• Facebook: facebook.com/lemonality/