Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personalized gifts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenny Strack, owner of Betty and Marie Designs, located in Yellville, AR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Betty and Marie Designs is an online custom laser engraved home decor and gift shop based in Arkansas. The goal at Betty and Marie is to create products that reflect our lives, tell our story and help make gift-giving easy, thoughtful, and personal!
Tell us about yourself
As far back as I can remember, I have enjoyed creating and working with my hands. I always strive to make our house feel like a home and love searching for just the right pieces to reflect our story or find a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed for years. My Etsy shop is the best of both worlds for me. I get to be creative, work with my hands, and make meaningful and beautiful home decor and gifts!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing my little shop on Etsy and hearing feedback from customers every day letting me know how our products have impacted their lives or put a smile on the gift recipients' faces is the best! I put a lot of heart into each part of the creative process, and knowing our ideas, hard work, and products can impact lives or even just brighten someone’s day is such an amazing feeling!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling all the hats as a small business owner can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially during busy seasons. There is a constant learning curve, and you have to continually evolve and grow to stay current and relevant.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Having a tribe of other small business owners, whether in person or online, is essential!
- Mindset is everything and can help keep you focused and moving forward when obstacles arise. Appreciate the obstacles and the setbacks, and use them to better yourself and your business!
- Customer service is everything! Answering messages in a timely manner, being friendly, and letting your customers know you care will help make their experience the best it can possibly be, and it goes a very long way in having a mutually happy buyer/seller experience!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a small business owner often feels like being on a roller coaster. Sometimes you feel like throwing in the towel, and other times you are on top of the world. Creating and growing a business takes a lot of time, heart and soul, consistency, and perseverance. Believe in yourself, and never stop learning, growing, and working hard to make your goals a reality! And most importantly…don’t forget to take a step back, be proud of your accomplishments, and enjoy the ride!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bettyandmariedesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettyandmariedesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyandmariedesigns/
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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