Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mahogany Crutchfield, Owner of GiftyWrap, located in Plymouth, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
GiftyWrap produces specialty wrapping paper that is representative of the diverse community we live in. We believe every person should feel seen and reflected in the products used to celebrate them. Compared to the unfeeling and generic patterns of balloons, stripes & dinosaurs, our quality paper is intentionally designed by artists to connect with gift recipients.
Loudly and proudly celebrating a diverse array of holidays, our article brings back the joy and intentionality of gift giving. GiftyWrap products invest in the art community, are culturally inclusive, and have a Midwest flair. Our shop is a safe place to find celebratory products for all.
Tell us about yourself
I have always believed it is important to celebrate people, life, and experiences. After being nudged by family and friends, I finally decided to start a business where I could live my passions daily while also providing products that reflect my diverse community. Wrapping gifts and decorating for special occasions where I can create and spread joy is the best job anyone can ever have. I chose the motto "Gift Joy, Get Joy" because I believe you get as much pleasure from giving as you do from getting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment today is GiftyWrap's existence! We are still strong, 2.5 years into our journey, and being recognized by outside organizations is just unreal. The love and buy-in from our community have been beyond overwhelming. To go from having a dream to having people believe in the goal and executing that dream is an indescribable feeling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging part of being a solopreneur owner is that you need to be a master of everything. I am the person who creates the products, handles logistics, produces the marketing, is responsible for sales, heads strategy, answers customer service inquiries, calculates the finances, talks to the media, and designs the merchandise. Should I continue? Trying to do your very best in areas of the business in which you are not an expert can be very overwhelming.
It can chip away at your confidence and send you into a multi-hour research hole as you try to come up with the best decision. You must learn how to forgive yourself for not knowing what you don't know, which is probably relatable to any business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would tell them to JUMP IN! The hardest thing to do is start. I would then quickly create a plan for profitability and start networking.
Understanding your financials and networking with others in the small business space is essential to surviving.
Finally, write down your why and then tell everyone. When things get tough, hold onto your "why." Your loved ones will be right there to help remind you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://giftywrap.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Giftywrapmn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftywrap/
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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