Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lynn Davis, owner of Gold Line Collective, located in Arvada, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Gold Line Collective is a shop of artisans and creators in the Heart of Olde Town Arvada that hosts local vendors from all over Colorado to sell their products and host workshops. Our customers are our lovely community supporters and visitors who are out enjoying Olde Town and love to shop local, as we have something for absolutely everyone in the store. Customers visit from all over Colorado to find their favorite vendors that are now in the store, which they may have previously seen at a pop-up market, and they want to come to support them! We have a wide customer base and are always anxious to see who will walk through our door next.
Tell us about yourself
I am a local creator who loves collaborating, helping fellow artisans see their worth, cheering others on, and giving them the tools to chase their dreams. I first started creating full-time during the pandemic when I, like a lot of others, felt a little lost and unsure about the future. I had a huge personal collection of vintage clothes and t-shirts and thought to myself, what can I do with all of this? I started dyeing clothes and selling vintage items on Instagram and was having so much fun. More importantly, I was meeting so many amazing local creators who were going through the same thing. While things grew fast, I quickly ran out of room in my apartment at the time to stock and create. I dreamed of having a storefront and space to reach more customers than online.
Fast forward a couple of years, and my creativity called me to become a florist. Again, I was creating and selling out of my home, wishing and thinking if only I could have a store to sell and create in. I let the dream settle a little in the back of my mind but always kept it in my heart. I started working for an amazing local entrepreneur couple who had a convenience mart in Olde Town Arvada. Unfortunately, the ATM, lottery, and tobacco attracted a couple of break-ins, and the owners knew it was time to switch gears. After multiple conversations going back and forth, they asked me if I had any ideas, as they were all ears and wanted to give the community of Arvada what they truly wanted. I pitched the idea of a Collective store to bring my dream to reality and a way for us all to help other makers, creators, and entrepreneurs like us.
The opportunities and growth that can come from having your business and products in a store and in front of so many people are what motivates me each day. Seeing other entrepreneurs thrive and lift each other up has become what this space in Gold Line Collective is truly all about. As we always say, we are "better together" and "collaboration over competition."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Owning a floral business and starting up the Gold Line Collective has brought so much joy and pride to my life. I am proud to say that by being a business owner and store manager, my biggest accomplishment is helping others reach their goals and beyond. Seeing others thrive and accomplish things they never thought were possible for them, or their business is. (chef's kiss)
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is imposter syndrome. Sometimes it is hard not to question yourself, especially when sometimes, being a business owner is figuring things out as you go. Most of us don't always know what we are doing, so it is important to give ourselves some grace when the doubt creeps in. One of the best quotes that have always helped me in the moments when I question myself or my growth as a business owner is, "Why not me?".
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Three tips I would give anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today would be:
- You have to get used to being uncomfortable. There are a lot of unknown and humbling times throughout the whole span of being a business owner. Lean into it. The magic happens in those uncomfortable moments, and you're being pushed to become a better person and business owner.
- You have to put yourself out there. As much as we want to think people will find us on their own or we will meet other like-minded business owners to connect with, you have to put yourself out there. And you should! You are worthy, and your business will soar. People want to see the face of the business. They want to know YOU! So stop being shy and put yourself out there.
- Be authentic and trustworthy. Your business should be authentic to you, or people will be able to tell if your heart is not in it. People truly like to support genuine and trustworthy people where they know their business is valued and appreciated.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thegoldlinecollective.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldlinegrabngo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldlinecollective/
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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