Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ronnie & Damaris Staton, Owner of The Staton Wood Company, located in Greensboro, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Staton Wood Company is client-driven and creates custom wood items to meet the direct needs of the individual, home, and business. Our main objective is to create lightweight, useful, and sustainable custom wood items to fit each client's needs while keeping functionality and creativity at the forefront of each order. The Staton Wood Company works with each individual or business to first design their idea, and then we make each item to perfection. This allows each client, whether purchasing as an individual or a business, the opportunity to meet their direct custom needs with ease. Our company specializes in making custom wood products such as jewelry, trophies, ornaments, business cards, signage, product display stands, donor walls, memorial items, nursery décor, puzzles, and so much more.
Our customers are looking for something they have never seen, something that represents them, their brand, or their lifestyle unapologetically. Our customer admires the beauty of wood and likes to stand out.
Tell us about yourself
Originally inspired by the 90’s culture, we created The Staton Wood Company after Ronnie faced a major health crisis that motivated us as a family to get the most out of life. With the support of his favorite girls (Damaris and their children), Ronnie attended Alamance Community College to receive his associate’s degree in advertisement graphic design in 2016 and his bachelor’s degree in graphic communications in 2018 from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Now, having the right tools, we officially opened our business.
We come from a solid foundation and lineage of entrepreneurs on both sides, and it is our hope that our children will continue this legacy. This is definitely our biggest motivator!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners is being able to support our family through entrepreneurship and being able to see our work in public spaces. We are not rich by any means, but to support our family with our ideas turned into items made with our hands. Whew, it still blows our mind!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It has been hardest for us to separate our business from our home life. Being business owners that work mostly from home is sometimes like not clocking out from work. We have found it most important to be intentional about separating the two and how we spend our time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn to Encourage Yourself:
Honestly, encouragement from friends and family is not guaranteed. In some cases, people may not understand your vision, but you have to keep pushing regardless. Sometimes all you will have is you. Just know that you are enough; stay the course! - Outline Your Goals:
This will ensure you are always working on your goals in the order that will work best for your business. Be sure to be specific and include as many steps as you feel necessary at that time. Remember, as your business grows, you are able to make adjustments to fit your current needs. - Find your Niche:
Every business needs something that sets it apart from all the rest. Figure out what yours is and build your business around it. Your niche should be an area in your industry that is underserved.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.statonwoodco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StatonWoodCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statonwoodco/
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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