Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joshua Burwick, co-founder, and CEO of CaratX, located in Santa Clara, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

CaratX is a marketplace that connects businesses and consumers in the diamond, gemstone, jewelry, and pearl spaces. Our mission is to connect the diamond, gemstone, jewelry, and pearl industries while reducing the costs to sell online.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a life-long entrepreneur automotive gear-head and love the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry. What gets me going? Seeing others succeed. Helping others succeed. Watching, learning from, and being surrounded by amazing people. That fires me up. I started my first business at 13. My dad bought a push-mower, and I started mowing people's lawns around the neighborhood. At 22 years old, I started selling single-solitaire diamond rings as a hobby and for extra cash. After 15 years, that evolved into CaratX. I saw how expensive and painful it was to start a jewelry business online and decided to create a space where companies and their customers could buy and sell more easily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There's been so many. It's hard to pick one! I think one of the biggest recurring accomplishments is: each time, I overcome something I'm afraid of or don't know how to do. The feeling is even better if I manage to help someone or learn something with someone along the way. That just feels good.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Business is so hard in so many ways. It can be absolutely terrifying. It is emotionally draining at times. It is constantly changing. As a business owner, one of the keys to success is being able to adapt quickly and continue moving forward- even when you don't feel like it (which happens to me all the time). Being kind in the midst of hardship and stress is also very important. You have to be kind. There's never a clear path or a straight line...you just have to keep moving.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

The first tip is: just go for it. You're not going to know everything, and you can't plan for it all. Do your best...and open that door to the unknown. The second tip: It's okay to be afraid, and you will be afraid often. Accept that reality and continue pushing forward. Third: Be kind and surround yourself with people that will lift you up, support you and keep that fire burning bright. Find people that know more than you do and learn from them. You will find success here.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Whoever reads this...keep your head up. Be kind. Stay strong. Keep pursuing your dreams. Never give up. Help others. Go get it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://caratx.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realcaratx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1caratx/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1JoshBurwick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-burwick/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.