Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dalton England, CEO of The Tie Dye Company, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is The Tie Dye Company--Creating vibrant apparel for positive people, so they can "Dream In Color." In other words, my "Company" is a creative community aimed at empowering the people around us and providing a vehicle for expression through handmade tie-dye apparel.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Dalton England. I have a B.S. in Psychology and played baseball my entire life up to the Division I level in college, which was always my dream. After fulfilling that and entering the "real" world, I felt lost and ended up leaving a dead-end job in search of something better. This led to selling almost everything I owned on eBay and ultimately learning whatever I could about eCommerce in a desperate attempt to make money. Eventually, I ran out of things to sell. I searched for the perfect product to start my own business using a program that showed you what online consumers were searching for and how many sellers there were. That's how I found tie-dye. I never made or owned tie-dye before, but I knew if I worked hard enough, I could figure it out.
The epiphany moment that really got it started was when I saw the domain name TheTieDyeCompany.com available for $12. I bought it immediately and the next day spent the remaining money I had on supplies and t-shirts to get started. Since that day, I have spent all of my time working on this craft and am especially grateful for the support I have received. My motivation to keep doing what I do comes from the community around this brand and my parents. The community lifts me up, and my goal is to one day start a family where my kids think I'm the most amazing and hard-working person in the world, just as I do with both my parents.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner in the community, which I call my "Company." I believe we are all a product of the people around us. The Tie Dye Company is full of amazing, talented, and like-minded individuals. I am better, and my business is better because I have surrounded myself with all the right people.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Personally, I struggle to separate work and personal life. The challenges come in the form of prioritization, time management, and socializing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't quit your job and do it on the side to start. Make your customers your main priority no matter what, and get comfortable with making mistakes.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A quote from Albert Einstein. "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." I always say, "giving is living" because you get back tenfold what you give.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thetiedyecompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetiedyecompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tie_dye_company/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tie_dye_company
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetiedyecompany/
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.
