Boost Your Spirit & Soul - Fabulous Duckling

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donna Wojcik, Creator of Fabulous Duckling, located in Clarence, NY, USA.

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

My newest business venture differs from others that I am involved in, in that it strictly revolves around my artwork. This business platform is vast! I have an Etsy shop that showcases my artwork on various products. Most of my products are fulfilled by print-on-demand companies. My products include home decor items - Duvet Covers, Pillow Shams, Blankets, Art Prints, and more. And wearables include Robes, Scarves, Workout clothing, Tote bags & Skirts. In addition, I do list my original artwork as well, my current project being eclectic “Mobile Galleries” Indoor Hanging Mobiles.

My customer base is quite diverse - but I would consider all to be art lovers, as my designs would be classified as abstract, colorful & bold. I have worked hard at creating hundreds of unique patterns in an attempt to offer “something for every taste.”

Tell us about yourself

My history includes various leadership capacities, including CEO and entrepreneur. Throughout the years, I have seen the results of my efforts reflected in a myriad of ways. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to teach and share the values that I hold close to my heart. I believe that our positive intentions echo in ways that we may not realize. When these positive intentions are inherent in what we offer, we are teaching others to teach and to share the same.

I am an artist - I wanted to share my artwork with art lovers, explore an existing online platform, create with a new purpose, and virtually meet and communicate with new and interesting people! So I thought, why not just get started on creating an Etsy shop? I began with creating designs using photos of my paintings - but took it a step further and designed patterns by restructuring existing designs. This is the fun part - and because I enjoyed it so much, I decided to create one pattern a day to really “go for it.” I found this very gratifying because I love to express my creativity as often as possible.

I would sum it up by saying that I am driven by the concept that our willingness to share our strengths, gratitude, and gifts with others allows us to create and establish our dynamic imprint that reflects our amazing spirit and intrinsic beauty.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We all have a unique, long story - especially if we have been in the working world for many years. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity throughout the years to be creative in every aspect of my life. I have a very positive spirit and believe that it is important to share this spirit as often as possible with everyone I have the honor of meeting. I would say that my biggest accomplishment has been learning from my business associates and employees - I was once asked if I had a mentor who was essential to my growth, and I thought - my mentors have been my employees! They have taught me so much. I have learned how to motivate, teach and communicate to the best of my abilities via those whom I have mentored. They have contributed greatly to my growth over the years. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be surrounded by so many amazing and dedicated people. Their successes are mine as well.

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

Learning how - Not to think so much! Learning to just move forward at a pace that works for you. My experience in the business world has brought about the simple yet very pertinent realization that input = output. I like to look at it as “The energy that you exude in relation to all aspects of your project is the energy that ultimately exists in the program, product, or service that you have created.” So I have learned not to overthink, as it takes energy that could be used in a more positive way.

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

Trust in yourself - It takes time and experience to learn that you can fully trust in yourself. This presents as a struggle in many forms in our professional and personal lives. I overcame these struggles by teaching myself - no one else can teach us this lesson. To move forward, take a step toward the goal. Just get started, and the rest will happen because of you. I have employed this rule time and time again. I have learned that it takes practice, which enables us to understand and accept that we are capable. Trust in ourselves emerges from our willingness and ability to move through obstacles with purpose. Our successes and failures do not diminish our tenacity; instead, they fuel our desire to keep moving forward. The existence of self-trust and respect cannot and will not work if we question our abilities or allow negative thoughts to enter our realm.
Research - Take the time to look at like businesses, and research what you believe to be your target audience. Perhaps test the waters by surveying this potential audience. Gather and gain as much knowledge as possible about all aspects of your business. Information sticks with us! You may not realize the value of this research until you come upon a problem or situation that you have not encountered in the past.
Open your mind - You are not the first person to start a business! Be open to listening to and learning from people who have “been there.” Again, this is the knowledge that you may draw upon sometime in the future. Although you may not utilize a process or strategy verbatim, you may incorporate this knowledge with your own unique and creative spin. Perhaps a mantra - “I believe in myself and my purpose; I am strong, capable, and worthy of success!” Go for it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabulousducklingshop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousducklingart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabulousduckling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabduckling

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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