Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anthony Ciotti, owner of Tactics 2 Toys, LLC., located in Mount Holly, NJ, USA.

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

I am the owner of Tactics 2 Toys, LLC. A concept that I came up with while in East Africa. I sell collectible action figures, comic books, and strategy games designed to get people off their digital devices and re-connect with people in a more meaningful way.

Tell us about yourself

I am currently in year 30 of Army service and have to plan the next chapter of my life. While deployed to East Africa, I came up with the idea of Tactics 2 Toys. The premise was, "I have been so serious for most of my life, and now I need to have some fun." I started doing the research and came up with a rudimentary plan. Spoke to my wife and got her to buy-in. I came back to the US, established a TIN, and acquired two vendors to start. I started building from there. I am motivated by the challenge of being the little guy and trying to succeed in a competitive space.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is striking that balance between military service, running a Tactics 2 Toys, and being a family man.

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

The hardest thing is the huge learning curve when you start a business with little to no experience or formal training in marketing, website management, bookkeeping, etc.

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

  1. Have a plan and be prepared to pivot. A business plan is essential, but as circumstances dictate, you may need to pivot in order to keep the business moving. Many businesses had to adapt during the COVID lockdown to keep the businesses moving forward.
  2. Be prepared for a lot of rejection and negativity. It can take a while before others see your business as "real." Just remain positive, keep pressing forward, and take care of yourself (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually).
  3. Develop of support network. While being a solopreneur can make you feel alone, there are other fledgling businesses out there that are going through the same thing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't wait. We are in an interesting time where one can make a living from the kitchen table with a computer, an internet connection, and some social media savvy. If you wait, you may miss that window of opportunity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tactics2toys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tactics2toys/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tactics2toys/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tactics2toys/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.