Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kisha Kingston, Owner of Stationery For Lovers, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the proud owner and founder of Stationery For Lovers®, a line of stationery, gifts, and scented candles inspired by lovers.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the stationery design industry for over ten years and have started designing custom stationery for weddings and special events. It all began in 2008 - I was a bridesmaid at my sister's wedding and was responsible for her bridal shower stationery. With little experience in stationery design, I was able to create a stationery set that my sister loved! I decided to continue designing stationery after the wedding promoting my products to family and friends. A year later, I made it official and opened my custom stationery company designing for weddings and special events. Today, my main focus is developing ready-to-order stationery lines, including Stationery For Lovers®. I keep myself motivated by reminding myself that entrepreneurship is a journey. In this journey, I must remember that failure, success, wins, and losses are a part of the process. The goal is to learn, give yourself grace and challenge yourself to do and be better as you go along.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be the ability to pivot successfully. After spending years creating custom designs, I later realized that there is so much growth potential in creating products that are easily accessible to my client base. I created something scalable, which has inspired me to make even more to meet the market's needs.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding Balance! There was a time when all I wanted to do was work all day... every day!
This eventually leads to burnout. I eventually learned the importance of building a business around the life you want. At the end of the day, the goal is to create a (profitable) business that you love and enjoy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create systems and processes. This is the key to running your business efficiently.
- Marketing. Study your market and create a business that meets their needs.
- Manage your business finances. Keep track of your spending and your business funds separate from your personal.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Study your market, make changes to your business model as needed, and invest in continuing education or mentorship.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.stationeryforlovers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stationeryforlovers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stationeryforlovers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stnryforlovers
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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