Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Huelani Fogleman, Owner of Hue Designs, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run Hue Designs, which is a metal art and fabrication business. I work with all kinds of customers, such as cities, museums, and non-profits, to customers that are looking for custom metal fabrication or art and customers that require welding needs such as repair work or custom items for their homes or hobbies.
Tell us about yourself
I have a sculpture degree from Georgia State University and have always dreamed of having my own art business. Before the pandemic hit, I was working on my business part-time, and then once everything got shut down, I ended up spending more and more time in my studio which lead to more and more work. I love to create, and I love helping others create or being able to help make their visions come true. I am a very creative person, and each day I learn more and more about my creativity and it truly motivates me to keep growing and see what I can accomplish.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say some of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner is that I installed 4 permanent sculptures last summer, and it was a huge undertaking! I created a Flower Bike Rack Sculpture that is located at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody and then 3 other sculptures at the History Cherokee Museum in Canton, each sculpture representing a piece of the history of Canton. Creating those sculptures taught me so much and encouraged me to keep designing and fabricating sculptures. I am about to start a new sculpture for Brook Run Park and have some other really big and exciting news on the horizon.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts about being a business owner is the responsibility of making sure everything is done. As a small business owner and being the only employee, I am responsible for everything from expenses, marketing, designing and fabricating, and everything else running a business requires. There are times when I really need to be in the studio working, but I also have to be sitting behind a computer or my sketchbook so I can follow up with jobs and clients so I don't miss opportunities or deadlines. Some days I feel like I could work for 24 hours straight and still not accomplish my goals for the day. I am in charge of every aspect of my business, which is extremely rewarding but can also be hard to juggle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Stay positive and open-minded - you never know what will be thrown your way, so you have to be able to roll with the punches. Stay organized and invest in your business. Remember to invest in yourself and set time aside for you to enjoy your life. It's so rewarding to be able to follow your dreams and to run your own business, and even though it can be a lot to handle at times, you need to recognize your hard work and never stop celebrating that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.huedesignsatl.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028560414793
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huedesignsatl/
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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