Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Hickey, founder of Be Kind Vibes, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Be Kind Vibes is a sustainable clothing brand with a vision to build a better world for each other and our planet through kindness and compassion. We live our mission by offering ethically-sourced and eco-friendly apparel. Through our commitment to sustainability, we're helping to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry while simultaneously inspiring people to show kindness and compassion to each other.
Tell us about yourself
To tell you the truth, I never really set out to start a business. Since 2016 I've been building a community and a movement that strives to make the world a better place. I was hosting meetups and events, but it wasn't anything formal, really. A chance introduction to a now-good friend who owns a hemp clothing brand introduced me to the sustainable clothing world. I became super inspired by it and its potential to help save the planet. Soon after, I combined both passions, and Be Kind Vibes was born :)
As someone who has always believed in the power of kindness, I am motivated every day to continue to build this brand and inspire the message. We all have the power to make a difference, and it's my dream to take Be Kind Vibes to a level that reaches and inspires millions of people around the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is just continuing to push through and believe in myself and the brand. Owning and running your own business is not an easy thing, but keeping your head up and not giving up when times are tough is a huge accomplishment in my mind.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
If you're a solopreneur like myself, you're wearing all the hats, and it's up to you to accomplish all the tasks that your business needs, from accounting to marketing and everything in between. It's tough, but I'm grateful that I've learned so many new skills along the way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My BIGGEST tip for someone looking to start a business is to make a to-do list! I struggled with this for a long time. I would try and multi-task all day, getting pulled in so many different directions. By the end of the day, everything I was working on was half done and not done that well. But then I got into list-making, and it's a game-changer, lol. I started making a list in the morning of the top 5-8 things I needed to get done that day. I would start with number one and wouldn't move on to number two until that task was finished. If a task doesn't get done by the end of the day, it gets rolled over to the next day. I can't tell you how much this has changed my productivity for the better. It gives a real sense of accomplishment and momentum at the end of every day. It's wonderful and my best piece of advice for any entrepreneur!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bekindvibes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bekindvibes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekindvibes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-kind-vibes/
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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