Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Goldie La'Vie, owner of Golden Hour Costume, located in Orlando, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Golden Hour Costume is dedicated to serving burlesque dancers, drag performers, and adult theatrical productions with affordable costume services for a variety of budgets! I build everything from DIY templates to bulk custom orders.
Tell us about yourself
I started this business as a performer needing my own custom costume pieces and being unable to find what I wanted in both design and budget. When you're just starting out as a performer, it can be hard to acquire the money to keep up with costume needs. So I set out to create quality products at a price that leaves room in the budget for rhinestones.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to work with such a diverse client base who challenges me to keep innovating. I've reached a variety of talented people, from Drag competitions to Canadian Burlesque schools!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management has always been a challenge for me. And with a business, I've had to face that problem at every turn. Ambition is awesome until you start to drown in your overcommitment! Thankfully, I am learning to organize myself and my business in a way that works for me, and I improve that structure every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- DON'T STOP! This business has been in development for 3 years, and still is developing. Even before that, I did costume and design work casually for over 15 years! Nothing happens overnight!
- Do what you're passionate about. Make something that you'd like to wear, see, have or experience. I'll admit when you love a project it can be hard to let it go, but it guarantees your heart will be in it.
- Don't be afraid to share. Show your friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers the things you make. Art is meant to be shared, and you might just find an audience you didn't know you had!
Anything else you'd like to share?
My small costume shop has made a huge impact on my life. It has made me more confident, it has given me better people skills, and it has even helped me address my time management! All wonderful things, but most importantly, it makes me happy.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoldenHourCostume
https://www.instagram.com/goldenhourcostume/
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.
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