Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zan Campbell, CEO of Fell & Fair Productions, located in Taylors, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fell & Fair's mission is to inspire joy in our community by telling amazing stories and helping others tell their own stories. We do this by designing and manufacturing medieval clothing, hosting live events, and producing film and photo products. Our community is over 300k strong and includes everyone from medieval/fantasy enthusiasts and fans of great films to those who enjoy live-action adventures in a medieval setting.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved great stories. Books, movies, games, it did not matter if it inspired hope, joy, and courage in me or others; I loved it. So when I got out of the military at age 25, I had the chance to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and I decided I wanted to tell stories. My knowledge of military history, my enthusiasm for medieval/fantasy films, and my crafting skills all combined with being the foundation of Fell & Fair. I had the opportunity to build a community of artists and craftsmen who created some truly amazing works. Finding ways to empower them to create every day and seeing the results brings me joy and fulfillment on a deep level.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly every year I see our payroll grow brings me a deep feeling of accomplishment (and a little bit of terror)! Seeing people make a living practicing their art or craft in a healthy environment is incredibly rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As an artist, the physical work, while strenuous, is enjoyable. Managing people, on the other hand, while far more rewarding, can be incredibly difficult. Competing emotions, feelings, physical issues, home life, health, expectations, and ambitions can create an explosive mix that has to be carefully, graciously, and empathetically managed. Yet the rewards of a healthy and enthusiastic team are innumerable. With a strong team behind you, your impact on the community and the world will be exponential.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you are looking to start a business, the most important thing is that you do something every day. No matter how small or how imperfect. The more you do, the more you learn, and that will build momentum with time. Never lose sight of your "why," your motivating principles, and your mission. Failure usually comes when you deviate from your passion for the sake of a quick buck or for the sake of ease. Finally, take care of your people, and they will take care of you. Simultaneously, if you have a toxic team member, you have the responsibility to remove them as soon as it is clear they cannot be brought on board with your vision. A bad apple will ruin the whole bunch. A little short-term discomfort will save you a ton of pain in the long term.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://shop.fellandfair.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fellandfair/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-zan-campbell-35a47a59/
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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