Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handcrafted accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Haley Slamon, Owner of Slamon Creations, located in Aurora, CO, USA.

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

My name is Haley Slamon, and I'm the multimedia artist behind Slamon Creations. I primarily sell handcrafted accessories and decorations in a variety of mediums, but I also specialize in creating custom commissions. Whether a customer needs precisely crocheted accessories to finish off a detailed cosplay, some sparkling resin jewelry to feed their inner diva, or a perfect set of press-on nails to be the center of attention at a party, I have the crafting skills needed to make their visions come to life.

Tell us about yourself

For as long as I can remember, creating beauty through art has been my passion. My strongest skillset actually lies in theatrical work, but the pandemic and some high-risk factors have made things like singing in public completely impossible for the last several years. Since I knew I couldn't stay sane without making things, I threw my creativity toward starting a business based around the other skills I've built beyond performing. It's not the same as being in front of an audience, but the challenge of making one-of-a-kind items keeps my work interesting, and the joy from people receiving their purchases makes it worth it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, my biggest accomplishment so far as a business owner has come from lifting up others. As someone who started my business completely independently, I understand how complex and unfriendly the application process for things like licenses can be. I've been mentoring two people while they start their own art businesses, and the work has been incredibly fulfilling. It feels great to be able to share the knowledge I've gained chasing my dreams to help other people start chasing theirs.

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

The hardest thing for me has been the work-life balance. In some ways, you have to be available if a good opportunity comes up, but in other ways, it's important to give yourself time away from your obligations. There will always be more you could be doing, so it's important to remind yourself that no one can do it all. Remembering that your best is good enough is essential to keeping yourself from getting too overwhelmed or burnt out.

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

  1. Make sure to get your business/tax licensing in order before you start making money. It's almost always cheaper to pay for the correct licenses now than it is to pay the fines later.
  2. Always be networking. Even if you feel like you're always talking about your business, you're usually talking to someone who has never heard about what you do. You never know where or who the next big opportunity is going to come from.
  3. Remember that giving up on an idea isn't giving up on yourself. Especially when you first start a business, there are going to be projects that don't work out, but those failures don't make you a failure. Learning and growing from a project you need to walk away from is often healthier than continuing to pour energy into something that isn't working. Part of being a good business owner is knowing when that point to walk away is.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please feel free to email me at slamoncreations@gmail.com if you have any commission inquiries. I'd love to make your artistic dreams come true!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SlamonCreations
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069215587863
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slamoncreations/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlamonCreations
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-slamon-ba8922152/

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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