Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gracie Nunez, owner of Abundant Wedding Invitations, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the owner of Abundant Wedding Invitations - a wedding invitation studio that focuses on traditional designs with artfully timeless personal touches and southern charm. Our couples come to us for designs that will never go out of style.
Tell us about yourself
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, and I dreamed of being an architect at a very young age. I ended up getting a math degree from Auburn University, but I knew I had a passion for graphic design. I worked for a while doing freelance graphic design work before getting engaged and creating my own wedding invitations. From there, my business was born! My math degree helps me run the business, and my focus on venue illustrations ties in with that passion for architecture. It's extremely fulfilling to have found something that incorporates all of my favorite things.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is getting my business to a place where it doesn't consume my entire life. Early on, I felt like if I weren't constantly working on my business, it wouldn't be successful. I fell asleep thinking about it, I would wake up in the middle of the night with ideas, and it would consume the majority of my day. Once I truly thought about WHY I started my business (to have freedom and flexibility in my day), I realized I needed to make some changes. I now own a business I absolutely love working on, but it's also not the most important part of my life anymore. I'm able to "clock out" at the end of the day and spend time doing other things I love and with the people most important to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is having to wear all the different hats. Being a one-woman operation, I've had to be the designer, artist, social media director, accountant, copywriter, and so much more.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't compare yourself to others. You're going to be in a different place than other people in your industry. You also may have different goals and a different trajectory. It's best not to concern yourself too much with what others are doing and focus on yourself. What are your priorities in your business? What products do you want to sell? What do you want your life to look like? These questions are more important than what you think you SHOULD be doing.
- Learn how to problem solve! You will run into obstacles along the way, and there's not always going to be someone available (or willing) to answer all of your questions for you. So, you're going to have to be able to figure out some things for yourself. It will be so much better for you in the long run.
- Find other business owners to connect with. They don't have to be in your specific industry (or they can be). But it's so helpful to have a few other people who understand some of the struggles you're going through.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.abundantweddinginvitations.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantinvitations/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantinvitations/
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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