Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Pendergast, Founder of Daisy Made, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a creative community called Daisy Made. Our sole mission is to be "the creative happy place" of makers, doers, and learners where they can gather + grow collectively, where no one feels left behind, stuck, or alone in the process of pursuing their craft - because we're not meant to go at it on our own! We have monthly workshops, an optional membership for creatives to connect on a deeper level, and a blog packed with resources + creative features, and inspiration.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Tracy, wife, mom of two beautiful kiddos, and professional actress turned maker. Two years ago, I reached an insane level of burnout with my brand + blog. So much so that one day, I decided to brace myself pull the plug, and delete all its content from the internet. This experience was the culmination of doing all the things I felt like I HAD TO do for years. I realized that no amount of money, numbers, or sales are enough to keep us in love with our "passions" unless we have the right support and community to keep us inspired, refreshed, and encouraged all the way. This prompted me to start Daisy Made: a community of makers, doers, and learners to keep the spark of their craft alive and make small biz life less lonely.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm really proud of creating a place for heart-driven creatives. There's no pressure to crunch and crush numbers. People can just BE and focus on what they do best. It's a real community where people are making sincere connections, and it makes me so happy. The last couple of years have been so hard on creatives...running a small business was already isolating, and then we added the layer of COVID. There is so much pressure for artists to create content, reach 10k months, and do all of these side hustles...but what we all truly need is compassion and support.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is just that: it's a business too. I'm always trying to figure out ways to give the most to our community without having to ask for much in return. I don't think the community is something anyone should have to pay for, so I'm always trying my best to take that burden off of our artists and bridge the gap in different ways. It can be a lot of pressure.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! Things will never be perfect. Messy, imperfect action. A lot of small steps add up, and before you know it- you're growing bigger and stronger.
- It sounds cliche, but have the strongest + most specific "why." That will pull you through on days you feel like giving up.
- Rest, If your goal is a sustainable business, you have to allow yourself rest and time to recharge from the very beginning.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Our membership Magnetic Makers is always open. If you're a creative small business owner who could use some extra support, we'd love to have you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://daisymade.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellodaisymade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellodaisymade/
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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