I was really happy and impressed with all of the thoughtful and interesting questions I received. I decided to divide them up into topics, my first set of Q&As will be on the topic of owning an operating a creative business. Big thanks to everyone who contributed a thoughtful question. Enjoy!
Q: Can you talk a little bit about making the decision to start your own business? I would love to start my own, but am scared to take the leap!
A: Hi Laura, This is a great question. I think that it's important as an artist/designer to have big goals and dreams for your own work. After you have these goals, and a vision of what you want your dream job to look like it's easier to decide that's something you can do within an existing company or if you'll need to start your own.
Owning a business requires a level of sacrifice and stress that's not worth it to everyone. If you're still feeling nervous to take the leap here are some exercises I'd recommend… *Research your market. You'll want to become an expert on the type of business you want to create including industry standards, competition, and a clear idea of how your company will be unique. *Make a goal list. Know your goals for this month, this season, and the next year. This is super important. I like to have specific short term goals (like for this week and month) that challenge and motivate me, mixed with huge long term goals that keep me inspired! *Test your market. If you ultimately want to own a boutique, you should definitely start by owning an Etsy shop or selling through another local boutique. You'll want to time to develop your designs and learning what people respond to is an important step if you're wanting to design as a career.
I knew I was ready to take the leap and start my own business when I realized I could fill a whole journal with ideas in just a weekend. The idea of building my own dream from scratch was so exciting for me. I really loved every little baby step in the beginning!
Q: Most business people have faced highs and lows. I was wondering, have you ever faced a really huge setback & if so, how did you overcome it?
A: Hi Dez. I've absolutely faced hard times as a business owner. I tend to not talk about this stuff on my blog, but I never want people to assume that things are perfect all time. In the past years I've been through extreme highs and extreme lows. Young business owners will inevitably find themselves with bills to pay and not enough money in the bank. When this happens it's time to be creative and work harder than ever to keep your dream alive. This is one reason why so many young business owners get burnt out. It's a lot of crazy work, but if you make it through these difficult situations you can make it through anything! It's healthy to remember that every business owner overcomes failure and obstacles. It's not for the faint of heart.
Q: How did you prepare for opening your business? Did you jump in and take the risk..or did you go to school and get degrees and plan like crazy…how did you raise capital? I am an aspiring business owner and its all a little overwhelming. Any helpful tips?
A: I think that the process is different for everyone. There's no formula for success. I definitely think a business degree can be really helpful. My little sister is currently prepping for a grad. school program like this. When I first started Red Velvet I took a huge risk by quitting my full time job and spending every penny I had in savings to start the business. Obviously that's not for everyone, but it worked out well for me. I think that no matter which stage of planning you're in, it's very important to know your goals and vision and stay focused on achieving that. There are many paths to success, just be sure that you stay true to your own dream and keep an open mind!
Q: Where do you get all of your vintage dresses and vintage items that you sell in your shop?
A: Hi Kelsie! We purchased a larger fully stocked vintage store, so we acquired all of the existing inventory. I also find dresses though my own personal vintage hunts (estate sales, thrift shops etc) as well as a distributor.
Q: What do you do when you're feeling uninspired? Do ever have days when you're feeling unmotivated? What do you do to conquer these feelings? You always seem so prolific!
A: Thanks so much! When I need a creative 'pick me up' I tend to start a new just-for-fun project. Keeping a balance of personal creative projects and work related projects helps me stay inspired and productive. For example, right now I am working on some reworked vintage dresses for myself on the side while getting the store ready for opening day!
Q: I just love your creative style and how you share all of your feelings with us. Do you have any ideas for a young, aspiring fashion designer?
A: Hi Jodie! My best advise for an aspiring fashion designer (or anyone wanting to move into a creative field) is to spend ALL your time developing your style and vision. Having a strong and fully developed personal style is an essential key to success!
Q: How do you make time for business/family/significant other/friends and you time?
A: Balance is so important. To be successful it's a fact that you'll have to sacrifice a lot, but you should never need to sacrifice time with family and friends. I almost never feel completely 'caught up' with work, but when I visit my parents or go out with friends I mentally 'let go' of work during that time. That's the best way I've learned to have quality time, while still being a super busy lady.
Q: Do you have any other dream career goals you want to accomplish?
A: I have so many! Most importantly, I want to design fashion and another (still secret) product line in my near future. I would love to write a book soon too. XO.
In closing… If you have a creative dream start pursuing it! It's easy for years to go by without taking steps to make your vision a reality. We're all equally clueless in the beginning. My best advise to to start soon and learn from your experience, keep things simple and enjoy each and every small milestone! Be proud of your dream. It's really one of the most special parts of life. XO. elsie
43 Comments
Thanks for share with us your experience… It’s very interessant, and your blog is an inspiration for all the days!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You are so amazing and an inspiration to all of us! You always keep me motivated and every time I read your blog you remind me to keep pursuing my dream no matter what. Thank you so much! I’m so glad that I’ve “met” you!
Thanks for being so open to sharing advice and tips on this. It was a pleasure to read!
loved reading all the advice, thanks so much!
A very inspiring post! Particularly so for me right now as I’m just looking into whether or not selling my work is something I could do…!
this was lovely. thanks for sharing.
Thanks Elsie!
It’s lovely to know how busy you are but you’ll still take time to offer the rest of us advice 🙂
Aoife x
I would like to know if you purchased the business store and it’s building? If you did, wow that’s just so awesome! It’s like buying your own house.
“Be proud of your dream. It’s really one of the most special parts of life.”
I will so quote this one. You’re such a great inspiration! Thank you so much Elsie! Me ♥ You.
You forgot to list a really good Dad quote like…………….If you want
something, then go get it because it’s not going to come to you…….
I am very PROUD of you, Super Busy Girl………………..LoveU
what a design for dressess..
I think it’s important to talk about both the ups and downs of self-employment. It’s so exciting and inspiring but also can be terrifying and frustrating.
I think you have done an excellent job of building your own style and business. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing with a Q&A!
Thanks so much from my heart for this post! I’m a creative biz owner getting ready to take the leap from running it after working full time at my day job for a year to full time self employment. Running it by yourself and then seeing a post like this is great motivation for me! THANK YOU!
thanks! you are a true inspiration for the new dreamers!
leigh
teaandluv.wordpress.com
Great Q & A ‘s and great advice – thanks for sharing.
Those photos are pretty awesome too! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us your experiences and self. I love reading your blog and following your sucesses, you give so much of yourself and are so true to who you are…it’s such an inspiration…
It was nice to read this. I paid attention to every single word and I think you left me a bunch of things to chew on. I’m about to move to the States (I’m from Argentina) and want to start anew. I know I’ll have to get a job that probably won’t be very exciting (at least at the beginning), but I want to use that time to develop something cool for when I’ve saved enough money and my business concept is ready to be launched. You’re a huge inspiration to lots of people, thank you for sharing! =)
Miki.
I love your blog, pictures, everything! And I love vintage as well–particularly dresses! Thanks for the inspiration!
thank you for being so inspiring! i’m feeling particularly burnt out as a young business owner of a very young business right now, so it was really encouraging to know that you’ve had your own struggles and were able to work through them 🙂
What great words of advice in your thoughtful answers! I am really looking forward to reading more as you sort through all the questions.
Elsie you are one go getter! i appreciate your blog for this! and your down to earthiness is what makes me love you more! as a newbie self employed vintage clothes etsy seller/fashion designer it’s nice to read the encouragement!!
Thank you for sharing all of that! It is really inspiring and very helpful! 🙂
Really, what u said in the end almost made me cry!! Thank u so much ♥
there’s something in my blog about u :)) i hope it’s ok 🙂
This has been some what of a back door dream of mine for quite some time now. Thank you for putting in the time to do this. I am now inspired to start really developing my style. I know what it is that I want to do it’s just taking the baby steps to get started. Truely this REALLY helped out.
thnks Elsie!
-This was so helpful and has pushed me to start pursuing those creative dreams of mine.
Thank you so much for answering my question! I was in wonderment as to how you acquired all your darling dresses!
This is great advice. And just what I needed to read to keep me motivated! Thank you x
Your amazing, great advice! I am about a month and a half into my Masters of Science in Management with a focus on Entreprenuership. I am very excited, after I get a bit of the course work under control (yep…I work full time too), I plan to start my own business. I thank you for your bloggy encouragement, your business model is successful because of who you and your friends are, you are all amazing people! Take Care, Janna Lynn
Great answers, Elsie. Thanks for taking the time out to share your thoughts and ideas. 🙂
this is so inspiring and helpful. i cannot thank you enough! i think i can speak for everyone by saying we love and appreciate you sharing your life with people you don’t know and may never meet. its pretty cool 🙂
Elsie, I enjoyed this interview. Your answers are full of practical wisdom.
thank you for the great advice! i will start a goal list today! xox
Thanks for the advice! You are helping so much xx
Elsie, thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I really appreciate it! Lots to think about, and I’m sure I will be referring back to this often!
Thank you for sharing, you are so inspiring and I always enjoy hearing about how you run your business!!
Elsie, let me commend you on the Q&A session! I have done a business degree here in Australia and I must say that your answers to your readers’ questions show great maturity and wisdom. You give sound, practical and inspiring advice that is often missed by university lecturers. Well done.
Tone – http://swingsandroundabouts-blog.blogspot.com/
hi elsie! thank you soo much for sharing this with us!! i am just starting out on my etsy shop and sometimes feel like giving up already (no, not really) but it’s not easy! it’s good to here that we all started somewhere and you give me (and a lot of us) hope!! 😀
Awesome advice! Thanks for sharing your insight with us and answering my question lady 🙂
I’m currently working towards my business degree and developing a (I believe) pretty sturdy business plan. If I can work up the funds to do this, its looking like it will really have a place in the local market! So exciting! Thank you for the inspiration, and keep living your dreams and goals out.
<3 Cierra Noelle
Hi I just love the eyewear in this photo…the one with the dinosaur on top of the books. I looked in your shop with no avail. Could you please let me know the maker of these. I would love a pair for my prescription glasses. Donna Downey has some that look similar.
Thanks, Katrina
thanks for your advice! help me much, I want to open a gift shop, scrap, craft, cupckes, etc, but not what to name like “Birds” because my sister and friends working together, we are Mexican and we love to create things, but I would happy to take the course but I have no credit card upon and do not write in English (writing thanks to google translator) Thank you for helping people like us because you are our inspiration, for sure your steps, if I admire you, kisses!
wow. it is unbelievable. I love it so much . Thanks for your sharing. cool .great. I sure I’ll come back soon.
When you decide to put up your own business, you must have the courage to see it through. It may not be easy, but it’s worth all the effort once you get successful.
Hi Elsie, I just came across this post and I’m so glad I did! Thanks for sharing such encouraging and inspiring tips for us creatives 🙂
atadbitcreative.com