Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elly Hazard, Founder of Peach Beast LLC, located in Milwaukee, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Peach Beast is my one-woman-run brand creating colorful, naughty, punky statement pieces. From bright, playful earrings to darkly funny, irreverent t-shirts, I make things that are meant to make you laugh and feel good. A lot of my pieces are nostalgic of the 90s and Y2K era, so I would say my customers are mostly millennials/zillennials.
Tell us about yourself
I started making things under the name Peach Beast in 2017. I had been making large-scale paintings, but my artist friends and I lost our studio space to developers. I wanted to keep making things, but this time I had only my living room to work in, so I began working much smaller. It started with screen-printed patches and resin necklaces with swear words on them. Looking back at my work from that time, I don't make any of those things now! It is wild to see how much my craft has developed and how much I have learned. What keeps me motivated is hearing feedback from my customers. They laugh, shriek, or giggle when they see my designs, and that's how I know it's making an impact.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been in business for about five years, and I have seen so much growth and change. Not just in what I'm making but my ability to market myself and grow a strong network of amazing creatives. I would say my biggest accomplishment so far is participating in the Renegade craft fair, which has been a goal of mine for many years. Also, being able to buy my own Glowforge laser cutter, which I use to make my jewelry.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I would say it is just being available 24/7. Mentally available. I think about strategies, ideas for earrings, t-shirts, photoshoots, and to-do lists pretty much all day, every day. It can be difficult to turn it off and just relax. It becomes a part of you, really.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Write a business plan! I definitely didn't do this when I was getting started because I thought it was a 'just for fun' endeavor. A solid business plan will act as a great foundation for you. It can be extremely overwhelming to start a business. Not knowing what to do next will frustrate you, and having a plan will help with that.
- Also--find resources and do lots of research online before you start. There are so many wonderful resources being shared out there for free!! Whatever you are doing, someone else has done it and written about it. Scour the internet and find them. Whether it's a blog, YouTube channel, or TikTok page, there is tons of information out there. Take notes!
- Lastly, be prepared to work hard and be ready to pivot when necessary. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, and nothing is guaranteed. You will fail at some things, and you will learn a lot very quickly. The flip side is it's the most rewarding feeling when things finally come together!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://peachbeast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peachbeast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peach_beast
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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