Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Sarnataro, founder of Best Singing Bowls, located in Santa Cruz, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have one of the most comprehensive websites for antique singing bowls from the Himalayas. Singing bowls, in case you don't know, are these magical bronze objects that can make wonderful sounds. My customers are often in the healing and esoteric arts, but not all. I sell to musicians, teachers (kids love them), and individuals who've discovered the pleasure and benefit from the unique soundscapes of the bowls. I've sold thousands to people in 40 different countries.
On the website, you will see pictures and be able to play multiple sound clips for hundreds of different singing bowls spanning a wide range of tones and options. You can group bowls and makes sets and play the clips all at once for a symphony of sound. I have a finely tuned ear for sound quality. One thing I've done is to develop a set of precision mallets that help bring out different aspects of each singing bowl's soundscape.
Come visit if you are interested in the subject. If you like what you see, the way to support us is to purchase something or turn your friends on to us.
Tell us about yourself
I had this hobby, playing old singing bowls from the Himalayas. Something about them captivated me. I traveled to Tibet, Nepal, and India. Eventually, some people said, hey Ryan would you bring back some bowls for me. I decided to put up a website. Some consultants told me to name it "best". Then I had to live up to the name! I really enjoy my product and my interactions with customers. Singing bowls can be very personal.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business life has always been in areas I'm personally interested in so maybe my biggest accomplishment has been to go through a long life, continually scaling fascinating learning curves and making enough money to have a really comfortable life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
If you get big enough some people objectivize you as the boss and start to treat you strategically instead of the human being that you are.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Try to align your business with your interests and values.
- Understand money.
- Build alliances.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bestsingingbowls.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestsingingbowls
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.
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