Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucia Rollow, Founder and Director of Bushwick Community Darkroom, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Bushwick Community Darkroom is much more than just a community darkroom. We do mail-in and drop-off film developing, and our members have 24/7/365 access, and non-members have daily access during public open hours. We also offer classes, exhibition opportunities, and events.
Tell us about yourself
I started taking pictures when I was about 5 years old and got into the darkroom when I was about 12. As soon as I first set foot in there, I knew it was where I was meant to be, and I have lived my life in a way that prioritizes having darkroom access over almost anything else ever since. After I graduated from the School of Visual Arts, it occurred to me that I might not be the only one living my life that way, so I founded the Bushwick Community Darkroom as a single occupancy b&w darkroom in a closet in my basement.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving for 12 years? Making it through the pandemic? Somehow not being totally crushed by the new and horrific challenges that arrive almost daily? Packing a 4,000-square-foot warehouse into two shipping containers? You tell me. I'm just trying to keep the rent paid and the lights on.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me about being a business owner has been learning to communicate with customers. I did not realize when I was setting out that I was launching a customer service-based business; I thought it was DIY. Whatever it started out as it has evolved over the years, and I have tried to evolve with it, but it certainly has been a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Lol, don't. Go get a good job with a pension. But if you're really determined, then start out very, very small and test your market. I had the single occupancy b&w darkroom booked to capacity for a year or so before I began looking for a larger location.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bushwickcommunitydarkroom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BushwickCommunityDarkroom/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushwickdkrm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bushwickdkrm
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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