Contemporary Family Heirlooms

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Naomi Broudo, founder of Fresh Ketubah, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

After a 25-year career in Graphic Design and Branding, my creative focus changed quite dramatically in 2010. Influenced by the marriage of my son, I began developing a body of work to illuminate Jewish texts, specifically Jewish Wedding contracts, Baby Naming certificates, and other Judaic decorative art. I opened my Etsy shop in 2010 and have not looked back. Over the years since then, I have created archival Life Cycle Family Heirloom Giclee Prints for thousands of individuals and families all over the world.

Tell us about yourself

I am a digital illustrator and painter. My iPad is my paintbox, and my computer is where it all comes together. My years of graphic design experience do the work I do now a perfect combination of my strengths. Having had my own business for nearly 25 years was a great asset when I had to grapple with an online marketplace. Working with clients was also an invaluable skill that is a huge part of my business today. From 2011-to 2013, my husband and I were nomads, traveling the world, and having my digital studio with me, forced me to reevaluate my whole business model. Even though I now only travel for parts of the year, the decisions I made in the first years of my online business have been the pillars I have been building on ever since.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am not sure I could name one "biggest" accomplishment as a business owner. I certainly work hard at it, but it is an ever-changing marketplace, and all the small accomplishments are really the important ones. Like finding time to keep up to date. Like continually taking courses to keep your work fresh. Like being willing to refocus when trends change. As a designer at heart, I am always trying to problem-solve. Each problem solved, no matter how big or small, is an accomplishment. Each time an order comes in and ships out and a client is satisfied with the final product. I consider that an accomplishment worth celebrating.

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

Today's marketplace is a moving target no matter what business you are in. I find this to be the hardest thing about being a business owner. It takes a lot of energy to stay on top of all aspects when it is just me wearing all of the hats. But then again, it is a welcome challenge.

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

Be ready to work hard.
Listen to your clients. You can learn a lot about your market from them.
You can not be in it only for the money and prestige. You must love what you do to project that to your clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.freshketubahdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshketubah
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshketubah/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.