Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dylan Spears, owner of Dilly Dally's, LLC, located in Port Clinton, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dilly Dally's is a one-stop shop for all of your graphic apparel needs. We set out with a mission to provide amazing graphically designed apparel for any occasion that you find yourself in. We focused our t-shirts and hoodies on being unisex. After hearing numerous people in my life express concerns about not liking how women's shirts fit, I knew that in order to set up a successful business model, we would have to offer unisex tops.
Our customers are from all different demographics. We offer something for everyone, and that's what makes us unique. We wanted to be an exclusive clothing brand so that anyone could find something while shopping, and we will always be that for our customers.
Tell us about yourself
Business has always been a subject that resonated with me from an early age. I took a class in school called DECA, and it was one of the cornerstones in my life that brought me here. I wanted to leave my mark on this world, or at least try. Starting a clothing brand seemed like the way to do it. I got the name for my business from two very dear people in my life at the bar I work at. Vickie and John began calling me "Dilly Dally," and it stuck more than I ever could have imagined. I soon became known as Dilly Dally by everyone in my small town. If it weren't for those two right there, who knows what name I would have come up with, or even If I would have come up with one at all. I read somewhere that when naming your business, make sure it feels personal to you, and nothing felt more personal than "Dilly Dally's." Working for myself has always been a dream of mine, but not to be successful for me. I wanted to become successful in life so I could share it with others. The amount of knowledge I had to learn along the way was mind-blowing. I would not have changed this journey for the world. Even if things do not pan out how I want them to, the amount of knowledge and discipline I learned along the way will mean more to me than anything.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments in becoming a business owner is how much it made me come out of my shell and ask for help. I have always been such an independent person, and though I built this business from the ground up, I could not have done it without the guidance of close friends and family. I knew that it was going to be a hard, grueling journey, but the help I received made it so much easier. Having something that I can call my own has been one of the single greatest moments in my life.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You don't just become a business owner. Make money and call it a day. You are always learning and bettering yourself. Just when you think you have all the kinks worked out, something else pops up. I spent nine months secretly building this business so if it failed, no one would know. That mindset held me back for the longest time from launching my business. One of the hardest parts of owning a business is you'll get in your own way. You have to get out of your head and start thinking like your business is already successful, not the "what if it fails" mindset.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just do it. Do not spend your whole life trying to "perfect" the best business plan and have it all worked out before you think you can start. Nothing is ever going to be perfect when you first start out. Owning a business is like a rollercoaster. You will have ups and downs every single day.
- Tell your friends and family! I kept it a secret for nine months because if I failed, no one would know, and I couldn't let anyone down. Once I told a few people about it, the support motivated me more than I ever could have imagined. You will always have someone that doubts you, but those that support you will far outweigh those that don't. No one can support you if you don't let them know what you are doing.
- Be original but don't kid yourself. No matter what business you are going to start, you will always have that moment of " Oh, I'm copying someone else." Chances are yes, you probably are copying someone in a sense but put your own personal spin on it. Being in the graphic clothing industry has taught me that fast. I see a design or concept that I like, and I think to myself, "How could I make that mine and personal to my brand?" Trial and error are your best friend when it comes to owning a business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dillydallys.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dillydallyclothing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillydallysclothing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clothingbydilly
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.