Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natalie Long, Owner of LONG Creations, located in Medicine Hat, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi, I'm Natalie Long, and my online business is LONG Creations - you can find my shop on Facebook, Etsy, and IG. I specialize in custom designs for print. My main customers are women between the ages of 20-50. Most of my designs are inspired by my life as a MOM, so they appeal to other Moms, BUT as a trained graphic designer, I can really create any printable design. I love working with people to create something they choose to display in their homes or use as a keepsake for their children.

Tell us about yourself

Most importantly, I am a MOM first! And it is this role that motivated me to start my own home-based business; after the birth of my second child in 2016, I decided to take the leap into working full time from home and focus on growing a business, so I was able to start making my own schedule around them. My family is what motivates me each day to keep hustling and providing for them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My little claim to fame and my personal biggest accomplishment is...
in 2020 my "COVID-19 time capsule" worksheets that I had created for my children were shared worldwide, going viral overnight. It's always a humbling experience to realize how far online material can reach and how what you choose to share can impact others.

Knowing that so many families chose to download my designs and work through them with their children during such a historic event in all our lives is really humbling to think that so many people have a keepsake from that time that I created.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a work-from-home business, the hardest thing I find is setting boundaries between the work-life balance. It's easy for the lines to become blurred between work and home when both occur under the same roof!

Over the last 6 years working from home, I have struggled with this aspect most; things I have learned to help with this are:

  • Keeping separate spaces, office space, or a set workspace is a must.
  • Closing that door and walking away at the end of the "work" day.
  • Taking breaks (go for a walk or a coffee away from home)
  • Always make time for family and friends (have at least 1 day a week when you don't work).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Learn to say "NO!" - you may think this sounds like a weird thing to say, BUT you really can't do it all; some things are out of your wheelhouse, you don't feel comfortable doing, or just something you don't want to do. Politely declining projects will save you lots of wasted time. You have to love what you do if it's a project that you know is not something that fits with your workflow/branding.
  2. Set boundaries and work hours - You will quickly burn yourself out with too many late nights and early mornings. Setting up automatic replies was a BIG thing for me. Some people think as online businesses; we are available 24/7. Replies that explain the hours I work and my turnaround time mean I feel like I have explained myself and don't have to rush into messaging them as soon as they make first contact.
  3. Stay organized - As a business owner and Mom, I always feel like there are 101 things on my "to-do list." I find that making lists and planning goals keeps me on track. We can easily become distracted by everything we think we have to do, getting overwhelmed and forgetting what is most important. Getting everything out of your head and onto paper can help you process what needs to get done at whatever stage of your business journey you may be at.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

BE KIND!, to your customers, to fellow businesses, to everyone in general
The world of small business is tough, but always treat others how you would like to be treated.

Something I feel passionately about is helping where I can. Through the years, I have always tried to give back to the community and those who choose to follow along with my page through my designs.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LongCreations1/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongCreations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longcreations/

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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