Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicolas van Heule, Founder of Fils Unique, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

We handcraft unique cufflinks in New York. Our customers are men, usually wearing suits. Most of them work in finance, law firms, banking and want to express a touch of individuality in a world that requires a formal outfit. Another substantial part of our customers is their partners who are looking for a high-end gift that will last and that can symbolize something important for them.

Tell us about yourself

I was a lawyer for 12 years in Europe and the US. I decided one day to take a jewelry class, and being a lawyer, the most obvious choice was to create a pair of cufflinks for myself. The feedback from friends and family was very good, and I started thinking that it could be more than just a hobby. So I started working with craftspeople with decades of experience to make the best-in-class cufflinks. My motivation comes from the act of creating something truly unique. Cufflinks are a very traditional product. I like to bring something new and make something funky in a market that hasn't evolved much during the last decades.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was able to sell my products in the finest department stores (Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks) a few months after launching. It was a clear validation and recognition of the quality of our products. It is pretty hard for a young brand to have that kind of recognition from established luxury stores.

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

As a solopreneur, it is sometimes hard not to have a cofounder when in doubt about something.

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

  1. Never give up. Never. There will be tough times, disappointment, and doubts. Put your heart into what you do, be genuine, and stick to the plan.
  2. Stay focused. There is a lot of noise in our world, and a lot of people think they know what's best for your business. Take advice from people who know your industry but not everybody. Have a strategy and execute it. Be patient, and don't panic; the results you seek take time and perseverance.
  3. Don't wait for everything to be perfect. Launch, test, get feedback, and improve. Your product will never be perfect, so you shouldn't wait for that before launching.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.filsunique.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filsuniquecufflinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filsunique.nyc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasvanheule/

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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