Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Gorske, co-founder of DIY BAR, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
DIY BAR is "A Place For Crafty (And Not So Crafty) People" located in Portland, OR since 2017. We provide the tools, material, and self-guided (and guided) instruction to allow everyone the chance to create and have a good time. We want to provide everyone with the satisfaction that we get from making. At DIY BAR, while you're creating, you'll be able to enjoy one of our beer, wine, cider, or non-alcoholic drinks while you make.
Tell us about yourself
I live the DIY life...in all ways and in all forms. I've been creating and building since I was a teenager, using saws to build skateboard ramps or learning through art class in school...and always striving to learn how to do new things. The feeling others get when making for the first time is what brings a smile to my face and keeps me going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We've created a name for ourselves in the DIY world and had worldwide recognition when a BuzzFeed video went viral early on in our business (seen over 32 million times!). People from all over the world have come to DIY BAR to experience it, film TV Shows about it, feature us in international magazines, and try their hand at making something unique. When I think back, this has probably been our biggest success since we opened DIY BAR.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is a 24/7 job. For me, it's been hard to turn things off while trying to focus on family or me time. I'm constantly learning and trying new things, but this has been the hardest for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would say find someone you can talk business with, an accountability partner of sorts, to help you through the good and tough times. I would also try not to do so much myself and find someone I can trust to help do what they do best to focus on what I do best. Also, time is not going anywhere, so don't get frustrated if things take a little longer to get done than you expect.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.diybar.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diybar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diybar/
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.
