Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charlotte Trecartin, Founder & President of CharCharms, located in Long Grove, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CharCharms is a water bottle accessory company. I started the company so that hydration could be fun and functional. We have our water bottles with us all day long and bring them with us everywhere. They are a part of our identity, so how we decorate and accessorize our bottles says a lot about who we are. CharCharms allows you to do that with stick-on hooks that work with all water bottles, which you can hang accessories off of for the gym, commute to work, or at school.
Tell us about yourself
I recently graduated from UIUC in the spring of 2022, and amidst COVID, I had the idea to put a hook on a water bottle. The options were endless, and it was an idea that I had to pursue. So during my senior year of college, I went full throttle. I created 3D renders, hired people on Fiver to make me a logo, and started 3D printing prototypes for myself. After I had a product that looked great, I started to manufacture it in many colors and shapes. Now we sell water bottles, stick-on hooks, and accessories on our website. What motivates me every day is that I am helping people enjoy hydration more. Hydration can be a struggle for many, but if they can make the habit fun, they are more likely to stick with it!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been being interviewed on Fox32 Chicago on their GoodMorning show. It was something I never saw coming but was so excited about.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is having to figure out everything day by day. As a college student, I started this business knowing nothing about the process. I have learned a lot along the way, but as the business grows, there are always new problems and challenges that need to be solved.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have an idea that you are genuinely excited about.
- Pursue it if you are willing to do it for 5+ years.
- Know that you have everything you need to start. The perfect timing will never come. Everything in the moment is all you need.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you'd like to connect, feel free to email me at Char@CharCharms.com :) I love meeting new people and would love to chat about anything business related!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://charcharms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charcharms.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charcharms_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/char_charms
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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