Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kari Capone, Owner of The Spinning Hand, located in Maplewood, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I serve knitters who want to grow their skills and enjoy a touch of luxury by offering them knitting subscription boxes delivered monthly to their doorsteps.
Tell us about yourself
Knitting saved my life! When I was 28 years old, my marriage was falling apart, I was having panic attacks at work, and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There were days I could barely get out of bed, but I could manage to knit a row or two and stay present and calm. I've seen the PROCESS of knitting work wonders in children and adults - just as it works wonders with me. I also love the beautiful PRODUCTS that result from knitting and started a business selling knitting kits to (mostly) women in the US and around the world. I built The Spinning Hand bit by bit while I worked full-time in publishing. In 2015, when my local yarn store closed, I invested $1000 in yarn and designed a beta collection. By the end of the year, I'd made $2200. By the end of 2016, I'd made $5k for the year. Now, I earn about $5k per month. I'm committed to growing The Spinning Hand and serving as many people as possible.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing The Spinning Hand to the point where I could leave my day job and devote myself full-time to this business that I love! And being able to support myself and my family.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that it can be difficult to set boundaries. Taking time to exercise, eat nutritious meals, and rest - it's especially critical when you own your own business. I have to be really intentional about staying healthy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Read business books and articles from a variety of sources. I like the author Mike Michalowicz (The Pumpkin Plan, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Profit First) and books from Entrepreneur Press. There's almost always someone who has done what you are trying to do. Learn from them and save yourself a ton of time and heartache.
- Trust your gut and work with people who make you happy. You'll do better work, and your business will grow so much faster than if you stick with negative clients just for the money.
- Do one or two things really, really well. Make them the main source of revenue for your company. Once those things are underway, then you can experiment with other projects. In other words, stay focused.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thespinninghand.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespinninghand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinninghand/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karicapone/
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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