Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gillian Godjas, Owner of Daisy Chain Gifts, located in Culpeper, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a small business soap and bath-bomb maker. I love making things that smell great and make people smile. My products are for everyone! Especially with the recent pandemic, we are all washing our hands more - why not use a soap that smells great and looks good?
Tell us about yourself
My husband was a holistic health practitioner. He was studying aromatherapy, and naturally, I got involved and started dabbling with soap making. I found I loved the process and began researching “proper” soap making using the traditional cold process method. I took classes on different techniques and eventually started selling my soaps at local craft fairs and markets. I love being able to create something from scratch, and learning new craft techniques really excite me. I’m not always successful with my creations, but I have a lot of fun trying them out!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my proudest moment was opening my little brick-and-mortar store. I loved coming in every day and opening up, changing the displays for each season, and chatting with customers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a sole practitioner, the hardest thing I had to deal with was learning all the different aspects of running a business. The creative, fun stuff is great, but unless you have a solid business model to support it, you’re going nowhere.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Persevere even when it seems like nothing is working out.
- Don’t be afraid to fail; it’s the best way to learn.
- Network and join groups of like-minded people either local to you or online - they will help as a sounding board for new ideas, business tips, and advice.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Know when to quit. I didn’t do my research properly when I opened the shop, and as a consequence, I didn’t get the foot traffic I needed to have a viable business location. I kept the store open as long as I could, but eventually, although it broke my heart, I knew the time had come to close the doors. I went back to my roots in selling online and at local markets, and it works much better for me.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.daisychaingifts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaisyChainGifts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisychaingiftsva/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/daisiechaingift
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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