Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Best, Founder of Little Nest Creative, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Little Nest Creative is a handmade business specializing in one-of-a-kind embroidered and sewn pieces, as well as DIY kits for customers to learn how to make their own. Many of my customers are fellow creatives who love learning new crafts, as well as people who choose thoughtfully handmade home decor.
Tell us about yourself
Since being a little girl myself, I've always been obsessed with creating things with my hands, but the impulse became even more important when I was pregnant with our firstborn and nesting, eager to make some things for his corner of our shared bedroom. The business itself was birthed when I became a new mom and longed to have something for ME again. It started as a few stitches as my baby napped, and eventually, "a few" became too many for our home.
I began making them for friends and eventually selling them. When I became pregnant with our second born, I taught myself to sew, mostly for selfish reasons as I wanted to make things for her, but again, little babies grow fast, and I wanted to expand my business. Now, I continue to make physical products with my hands, but I also get so much joy from teaching others some of the skills I've learned as a stay-at-home mom and creative entrepreneur.
Through the pandemic, we had our third child, and my business took a backseat while I navigated life with two kids at home with postpartum anxiety. It's so exciting to be creating again, and I'm feeling so refreshed to get back to this inspiring work!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment I've had as a business owner is probably the creation of DIY embroidery kits. It felt like a stretch that was beyond my comfort zone but a necessary step in order to grow my business and take it to the next level. It has required a different part of my brain to learn how to illustrate and explain how to do certain stitches, but I am so proud of myself for pushing through and being so pleased with the end results!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the most difficult things for me as a business owner is perhaps taking myself seriously as one. I have always been creative, but I've not always been business minded. I have had to learn to schedule the work I don't want to do into my daily plans, or I would not have accomplished what I have.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips for anyone starting or growing a business today are, first and foremost, to not put yourself in a box with only one very specific item; to plan ahead of time what would happen if that item went well.
Secondly, you don't have to have a perfect plan or plan at all. It can start small and organically, and as you begin to see growth, take the next steps confidently.
Thirdly, try to find a mentor or a fellow person who's in a similar boat to bounce ideas off of and encourage you. Running a business can be lonely, and having peers with skin in the game is SO helpful!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://littlenestcreative.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleNestEmbroidery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.nest.creative/
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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