In celebration of small businesses, NBCU and State Farm® have partnered to spotlight an incredible small business owner who was willing to share her journey, offer some advice, and provide motivation to the community.
“My State Farm agent Crystal helped me tremendously when I had gone through major catastrophes like a tornado and my trailer getting stolen literally the day that I bought it.”
– Desirée Chamorro, Owner, K9 Cafe Boutique & Spa
Click to read the full interview
How and when did you meet?
Desirée: I met my State Farm agent Crystal Fuller in 2010. I had interviewed a couple different insurance companies and I was looking for the best coverage that I could get. Being a new business, I had a lot of concerns, and when I talked to Crystal, she was the most informative and made me feel the most comfortable. She was very knowledgeable about the policies and she’s a small business owner herself so I felt like we had a lot in common.
Crystal: I met Desirée in 2010. I was visiting the San Antonio Rodeo where people come from all over the city. I met Desiree there when she was selling dog clothes, so I actually bought an outfit for my little dog at the time.
How do you think both you and your State Farm agent being small business owners makes the relationship easier?
Desirée: She knows the same trials and tribulations that we go through on a day-to-day basis. She has employees as well as just the everyday occurrences that come up. That was important to me – to find somebody that’s relatable so that they can help me be successful in growing my business.
Crystal: The fact that I am a small business owner helps me understand her business and her insurance needs – like hiring staff and the different dynamics that go into owning a small business. Just having that experience myself I can relate to her concerns and her needs.
How do you support each other?
Desirée: She’s chosen on several occasions to work with me at my store. She also helped me tremendously when I had gone through major catastrophes like a tornado and my trailer getting stolen literally the day that I bought it. And just helping me quickly file a claim – she’s just been there for me.
I support Crystal with her being able to come out to my business and show my customers the amazing services that she offers. I even referred my mom to Crystal.
Crystal: I also support Desirée by buying merchandise for one thing, and then also just spreading the word. I often highlight women business owners on my social media so I’ve highlighted her there and try to share different events and things that she has going on.
Crystal, why did you nominate K9 Cafe Boutique & Spa?
Crystal: I love Desirée’s story. For one thing, she’s a female business owner and I am as well, and that’s something that I’m very proud of. I think sometimes being a female business owner can come with its own challenges and benefits. She’s a female business owner, she’s a Hispanic business owner, and I think just seeing her growth and seeing the store, I just felt like it was something the rest of the world needed to see.
Learn more about Desirée’s story here.
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