Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Crivello, Owner of Custom Gifts by CC, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Custom Gifts by CC makes custom ceramic magnets, coasters, and plaques of various sizes. We can make just about anything you can dream up! Our customers tell us what they want and we will design it for them, send them proof to approve or make changes to - Once they say that's the one - then we make their custom order for them.
Our customers are people that want to have beautiful things or give beautiful, unique gifts that you can't get in a store. Our customers want something special, something that means more because it was made just for them.
Tell us about yourself
I'm CC and I started Custom Gifts by CC purely by accident. I made a set of custom coasters to give to my Aunt to thank her for having me over to visit. I put some photos of our trip on the coasters and she loved them. Someone else asked me to make them a set and so it began, and three years later, here I am. At first, I made only coasters. One day I decided to make a small plaque and I just kept adding new sizes. I love what I do and my favorite part is the customer love what I make just for them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making items that people want to have in their homes or give as a gift to someone is something I take a lot of pride in.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest part is getting the word out about my business and website. It's a lot of work! Especially when you're the only one putting everything together. I do a lot of craft fairs, county fairs, and other events. I enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people, but my goal is to have most of my work come from website orders and only have to go to a few big events throughout the year.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose something you LOVE - If it's something you love, it will never feel like work.
- Don't give up - even when you think it's never going to work.
- Do your homework - know how to set up your business - website, licenses, etc. or hire someone that knows how to do all that for you. It's a lot of work, but it's good to learn for yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.customgiftsbycc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customgiftsbycc
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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