Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anastasia Ferguson, Owner of Cosplay Arts Shop, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Cosplay Arts Shop! A brand of bath and body products, teas, hair care, fragrances, and more! Whether it's self-care or gifts, my shop has a little something for everyone. My business is Cosplay Arts Shop! My customers are anime and video game lovers and those wanting natural products. My hairline is perfect for 3a-4c hair, and many products are phenomenal for sensitive skin. Cruelty-free, Handmade, and Fresh Ingredients are the principles I run my business with. There's so much to see on my site as I branched into stationery as well as enamel pins! There's something for everyone!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anastasia, your Shop Senpai and a Jamaican-British Otaku Naturalista who loves anime, video games, tea, and cosplay! Some of my favorite past cosplays have been Starfire, Chel, Korra, and Katara. My favorite anime? Inuyasha. I grew up making my own hair masks, body butter, and tea mixes with my grandma and mom while watching Sailormoon. Having a Peanut/Tree Nut allergy has limited my skincare and haircare options. Add in natural hair products being very limited in the 90s and 2000s; this gave me the idea for my business. Cue the anime opening theme for Cosplay Arts Shop.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been building relationships with my customers. I always wanted to start a haircare skincare line, and I love to get feedback, learn and grow. I really feel like a community is building, and that makes me feel so happy. Every sweet message keeps me going.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is setting your own schedule. I love and am passionate about Cosplay Arts Shop and can easily find myself working 24 hours. Whether I'm doing things for the business or just thinking about it and doing research. So I've learned to be more disciplined about work hours though it's still a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to go after your dream.
- Research, research, research!
- Don't compare yourself to others because everyone's journey is different.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cosplayartsshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CosplayArtsShop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosplayartsshop/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
