Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Woodman, Owner of Anne Woodman Jewelry Design, located in Seal Harbor, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a small business coach and jewelry designer. My clients are creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to get out of their own way, make more money, and have more fun with their work. My mission for my jewelry is to spread joy through my whimsical and meaningful designs.
Tell us about yourself
I started making jewelry in my early twenties just for fun. I grew up in New York City. I was living in a small apartment in the meatpacking district and bartending to pay the bills. I had a tough, badass outer persona, but when I started playing with jewelry, what came through were these delicate, whimsical designs. I was curious about where that came from. As I grew my jewelry business from selling on the streets of Soho to high-end department stores on 5th Avenue, I also dove into self-development work to get to know myself better through my art. After 10 years of self-taught self-development work, I decided to go back to school to learn about life coaching.
What motivates me each day is the relationships I've developed with all of my clients. Celebrating the successes of my coaching clients and hearing about how my jewelry is helping people spread joy in their lives, it's just the best!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was opening my brick-and-mortar retail store in Bar Harbor, Maine. I ran that store for 6 years, and it was my baby. It was a mix of my own jewelry, work from other artisans, fashion, and fun gifts that I curated with such joy. It was also A LOT of work, and I felt tethered to it 24 hours a day. I ended up closing the business in 2020 to grow my life coaching business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is having to do it all yourself, wearing all the hats. When you own your own business, all decisions fall on you. It's a lot of pressure.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Embrace mistakes. Don't be afraid to mess up; that's the fastest way to learn and grow.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you are taking time for you. I hate the term "self-care," but think of small ways throughout the day that you can do something for yourself; it could be a morning routine, an afternoon walk, or connecting with a friend... Just remember to fill your own cup.
- Hire a coach. When I hired my own coach, my life and business became so much easier to manage. Get help where you need it. It takes a village to run a business and also to care for yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.annewoodman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annewoodmanjewelrydesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annewoodman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-woodman-26493253/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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