Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hayley Tosio, Owner of COSA 71, located in Eugene, OR, USA.

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

COSA 71 is an online boutique for women. I specialize in finding chic and beautiful 'things' around the globe to elevate and bring joy to our lives. This includes apparel, accessories, vintage clothing items, and gifts. I will be adding new categories soon, which include children, decor, and more.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had an intense love for fashion. I like to say it is the color of my blood. Also, I come from a long line of small business owners, so this, too, is 'the color of my blood,' so to speak. Therefore, in wanting my own business, it just made sense to start an online boutique. What motivates me each day is knowing I am bringing happiness into my customers' lives. More than anything, I really want to bring more joy and love into this world. On this note, I have some really exciting things that will be happening in the near future that will involve a giving-back project. So stay tuned for this. Being able to bring together fashion with giving back is my ultimate joy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a single parent to my incredible daughter, working a full-time career in the wine world, and being a business owner.

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

Not giving in to the urge to give up. I have tough days like all of us, but what keeps me going is my vision of being a successful entrepreneur who gives back to this world.

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

  1. Keep a goal planner broken down into Forecasting goals (1-5 years out), Monthly goals, Weekly goals, and Daily goals. Also, write down what you are grateful for each day. "The FIVE-MINUTE Journal" is a great way to get started on this.
  2. Try not to get overwhelmed. Do the hard things you don't want to do first, and remember, 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' and this applies to your business. Also, know that your business will always be a work in progress/process. Keep your vision top of mind at all times. Hire a business coach if it helps.
  3. Don't be too hard on yourself. Take time for yourself and your family each day. This includes allocating social media to only a couple of hours a day if you can do this (social media, as much as we love it, can also be a soul drain). Spend your evenings putting your business to the side if you can. Balance is everything.
  4. Above all else, believe in yourself, your vision, and your business. You've got this!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cosa71.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopcosa71/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcosa71/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDolceHunter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-tosio/

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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