Making Beautiful Creations Come to Life - Alisha Allen
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alisha Allen, owner of Vibrant Xpressions, located in Seymour, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Vibrant Xpressions is a local business in Knoxville, TN, and surrounding communities, as well as online globally. We specialize in resin art pieces, sublimation products, streamer merchandising, and supplies for fellow crafters. Our resin pieces range from custom and pre-made tumblers glitter pens, keychains, office supplies, badge reels, and magnets. A personal touch to all our products includes customization of the customer's choosing. We do 3D-printed pieces to assist fellow handmade businesses to assist in their creative processes. The custom aspect branches to all our products! Our customers range from all over the United States and Canada!
Tell us about yourself
Vibrant Xpressions started in a small closet space in Enterprise, Alabama. Shortly after discovering the crafting world, we formed our company. It was then that Mama Hobbs (my mother) fell ill, and we had to relocate to Tennessee to care for her. It was her belief in us that drove the business to do new things and always to explore learning as much as we could. Mama Hobbs has since passed on, but she's always the driving force to keep pushing on.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is being able to do what we love full-time. The customers we meet and get to connect with on a personal level. A lot of our customs have a piece of heart that we turn into a sentimental keepsake, and that is priceless.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hard things are balancing family and home into a small business schedule. All businesses struggle with this, but more so on a small business scale because you are a website developer, social media manager, creator, shipper, etc. A small business owner wears so many hats.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your research! There are so many aspects to running a business, from getting taxes and licenses in order to what your product set is going to be to how and when to offer items. Keep a calendar, and plan out holidays far in advance. Join groups! There's a lot of small business advice in the group of your products and small business help groups. A lot of "advisors" suggest a niche item. Personally, I offer a variety of items to appeal to all different types of customer bases. But most of all, do what you love!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vibrantxpressions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VibrantXpressionsAL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantxpressions/
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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