Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Grojean, founder of Baloo Living, located in Austin, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We believe that in order to feel renewed, you need to feel safe, and in order to feel safe, you need to be comfortable. Baloo Living is focused on rest and reflection, and that's why we created the only weighted blanket made without synthetic liners or polyester fill. Baloo Living was inspired by the transformational experience I had with a weighted blanket in Bali as part of a sabbatical and a time of letting go and relaxing into being. Through this experience, I was reminded that a body at rest and a mind that listens to its best instincts go hand in hand. I've always believed that wellness is a journey, not a category, so we relate to our blankets as tools that empower self-healing instead of claiming to be a person's only cure.

Tell us about yourself

My first experience with a weighted blanket nearly took my breath away. It was a profoundly relaxing and resetting moment, and I came away excited by the possibility of sharing this because, nearly universally, our world has become fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming. We numb ourselves from necessity in order to be able to keep up with the doing that is required and, in the process, lose touch with the quieter parts of our hearts. I believe that by taking time to be quiet, we can strengthen the connection to our intuition and therefore live more grounded and heart-centered lives. I see our weighted blankets as a product and a vehicle that allows us to spread these messages and values and connect with our customers who place great hopes in the promise that our product makes. It's exciting to offer something to people who can enrich and improve their quality of life so gracefully and easily. I'm motivated each day by our amazing team of dedicated and hard-working people who do what it takes to keep each building block in place.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building a company that stands above the noise when it comes to product quality, customer service, and integrity and being recognized for that by our customers and partners is the best feeling. We are not the largest company offering weighted blankets, but I am confident that we are the most caring and aligned with our mission. Growing through referrals and endorsements based on true quality and then being able to invite my sister into our business as our director of operations and to work together with family each day has been my greatest joy in the business.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The past does not predict the future, and each day we must be open to what changes and dynamics are coming our way. Our greatest wins have come as a result of challenges in the business, so I believe keeping a positive and welcoming attitude toward our challenges is what makes these pivots possible. Sometimes these changes mean that the company evolves, and as it does, it may no longer be a fit for an existing relationship. Being confident to make those calls and have difficult conversations when they need to happen is definitely the most challenging part of being a business owner.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Build your community because it is through relationships and shared knowledge, support, and insights that you not only succeed but enjoy the journey of business ownership. If you're just starting, then take one action, no matter how small, each day in the direction of your goal. Through moving forward in action, you'll gain the momentum and energy that will inspire not only you but those around you to buy into your vision, and that's when mountains can move. Last but not least, be very careful about choosing the people you partner with. It's better to leave a position open than to fill it with the wrong hire. Likewise, a business partnership is as intimate as a marriage, so take those agreements very seriously and be sure to be on the same page about your values and your vision before you sign any documents.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://balooliving.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalooLiving
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balooliving/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalooLiving
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethgrojean/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.