Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbara Sipos, founder of Intambo, located in Hungary.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is to make wearable magic. :) Intambo is a woman-owned and led small business located in mid-east Europe, Hungary.
Our mission is to connect our sisters to their natural and deepest selves through our statement jewelry. We use the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials as we can - hemp, linen, and recycled GOTS cotton. The cords and threads I use symbolize the connection that ties us together with Mother Nature.
Our customers said Intambo is not just an aesthetic accessory for them, it’s a whole vibe, and they feel ourselves more powerful and connected while they’re wearing it like La Loba from the “Women who run with the wolves” book.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve always loved to make something creative in my life besides my jobs what I didn’t like. One day I tried to make a necklace for myself, and some days after, five more similar. I felt myself stronger wearing those pieces. I wanted to make more and show them as many people as possible. And this is how Intambo began.:) I’ve learned everything by myself, from jewelry-making to photography and using social media by the time. To see my customers’ smiles in the pictures they send to me is definitely my biggest motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Well, it’s my fifth year in the creative business; I’ve sold my art all around the world, giving confidence, inspiration, and joy to my sisters. Building a business from scratch is really something I’m proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Running a small business can be stressful. For me, it was the hardest and still hard to keep a healthy personal/work-life balance and follow a scheduled week plan. I’m still learning how to be more resilient and not fall apart when a goal isn’t working, or I have difficulties with the services I use.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- At first, everything can be scary. Keep pushing, do research, analyze how they do their biz, talk with them. There are no mistakes, just experiences.
- Be authentic, show your true self through your art, don’t be shy to ask for help if needed.
- Find the balance between work life and personal life, especially when the studio is at home.
- Treat your customers just as you’d wish to be treated or a bit more.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There's a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert; I couldn't say better than her:
"Recognizing that people's reactions don't belong to you is the only sane way to create. If people enjoy what you've created, terrific. If people ignore what you've created, too bad. If people misunderstand what you've created, don't sweat it. And what if people absolutely hate what you've created? What if people attack you with savage vitriol, and insult your intelligence, and malign your motives, and drag your good name through the mud? Just smile sweetly and suggest - as politely as you possibly can - that they go make their own fucking art. Then stubbornly continue making yours."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://intambo.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intambonecklaces
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intambo/
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.