Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Hoagland, owner of Hoagland Handmade, located in Lorton, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hoagland Handmade features natural fiber knits. Fast-fashion and synthetic fibers simply aren't sustainable, and Hoagland Handmade offers an alternative. I source locally farmed, recycled & reclaimed, hand-dyed, and other natural fibers to create clothing, accessories, and home goods. My ideal customers are those looking to reduce their dependence on plastic and single-use items and invest in sustainable alternatives.
Tell us about yourself
I started knitting nearly 15 years ago and was introduced to natural fibers in 2016. Until then, I did not realize that almost all of the yarn sold in big box stores is plastic! Once I started working with fibers like hand-dyed merino and locally farmed cotton, I realized that not only are the natural fibers more sustainable, they're more durable, they're more beautiful, and they make for far superior finished products that hold their shape and size more consistently.
I've been in Virginia for the last three years, and I have been so excited to find so many local fiber farms - cotton, wools (including merino), llama, and most recently - alpaca!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have loved being able to support indie dyers, small local farms, and invest in recycled fibers. But probably my biggest accomplishment has had the opportunity to sign on as a Small Business Partner with the National Forest Foundation. I knew that I would want to use my business to make an impact, and I am thrilled that I was in a position to do so in my first full year of operation. Starting in October 2021, I pledged to donate to plant a tree for each item purchased and have already contributed to planting over 160 trees!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As an introvert, I love the behind-the-scenes work. I especially like knitting, but even the bookkeeping, website, and online store work are enjoyable in their own way. But it's hard for me to put myself out there and promote my work - marketing myself is definitely the hardest thing about running my business!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you wait until everything is perfect, you'll never start!
- Start doing the right things, the right way from the beginning. Trying to go back to get your licensing and finances, etc., in order after the fact is far more difficult than getting everything in order from the beginning.
- Network, network, network. The marketplace really is big enough for all of us! Some of my biggest cheerleaders have been other small businesses who have helped open doors and form partnerships!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hoaglandhandmade/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoaglandHandmade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HoaglandHandmade/
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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