Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handicrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Viola Valeeva, Owner of Baarduck LLC., located in Santa Monica, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Baarduck, we develop and produce DIY wool-felting kits crafted to inspire people and give them tools to create. Our primary mission is to help our clients to reunite with their inner selves through the art of craft. And our customers are incredible creators of all ages and paths of life.
Tell us about yourself
It's a bit of a family story here. A few years ago, my grandfather started to develop Alzheimer's disease. I did my best to research how I could help him. And I discovered many scholarly research papers proving that getting involved in a craft, such as fiber art and needle felting, can be very beneficial in preventing and treating the condition. I started to teach him how to felt, and it was such a great experience that let us connect and explore this art together.
So I decided to share this unique and rare craft's fun and excitement with others. And since then, every time I read the reviews mentioning how my customers fall in love with felting, it makes me feel so happy. Also, since the start of COVID, many of them started to emphasize how relaxing wool stabbing feels and how it helps their mental health. And feeling that I can help others keeps me motivated and makes me want to do more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In the last few years, we have partnered with several local mental health facilities and a few children and senior citizens' care centers to create kits and conduct classes that help local communities, underserved populations, and people going through difficult times. There is nothing we enjoy more than seeing people getting distracted from daily problems and diving into the world of creation.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's remembering to take breaks. When I'm excited about something, I keep doing it nonstop. But with business, you must understand when to step back and recalibrate. Your mission is much bigger than transactions and should never feel like a chore.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do it now. You can always improve your product/service later. There is a famous quote by Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, which resonates with my philosophy, "If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late."
- Running a business is anything but boring, and it will be hard at times. That's why you should surround yourself with people who will hype you up and be your cheerleaders.
- Think about the bigger picture - there is no limit to your adventure. Always keep your vision clear to lighten your path and keep you motivated when you need it the most.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://baarduck.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baarduck/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baarduck/
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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