Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Haneef and Kay, Owners of Otaku Noir Collection, located in Flushing, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We cater to fans of diversity by providing mystery boxes with content celebrating anime and pop culture. Each box is filled with content that has been made by creators of color.
Tell us about yourself
We began Otaku Noir during the pandemic out of the desire to stay connected with many independent creators we have met when visiting different comic cons throughout the country. As we began formulating the business idea, we realized that Black nerds (Blerds) like ourselves are in an underserved market, and we knew that we could really create something beneficial to the community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is having our ideas appreciated by our audience. Just a simple like/positive comment on our social media pages from our audience means a lot to us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part about operating Otaku Noir is trying to decide what items will or will not go into each quarterly box. There are so many talented creators out there that we would love to include everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- The best advice we have for people looking to begin their own business is to research the market that you're about to enter.
- Dedicate a specific amount of time to the business. Being your own boss often means that you will have odd work hours, so it is very important to master a work/life balance.
- Have fun. If what you're doing is not enjoyable to you, then you do not need to continue pursuing that project/vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://otakunoir.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OtakuNoirCollection/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otakunoir/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/otaku_noir
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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