Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Potter and Jewel Coles, founders of Good News Threads, located in Laurel, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Good News Threads, founded by Jewel & Alyssa in 2020! We specialize in upcycling thrift apparel and accessories by bleaching and distressing. We pride ourselves in being a sustainable brand that is for all people, no matter what size you wear!
Tell us about yourself
We began our business in 2020, just as the pandemic started, in our parents’ backyards during quarantine! We initially were bleaching our own old t-shirts and naturally took to social media like everyone was doing during the pandemic. We posted pictures and videos of us bleaching and distressing the shirts, and the response was amazing. Our friends and family loved what we were doing, so we created our Instagram and started selling our shirts and shipping them out. As more people became interested in our products, we took to the thrift store to build our inventory! Since 2020, we have continued to build our organic following and pride ourselves in being able to say we personally have met the majority of our followers in person. We love the community feel of our small business and have branded ourselves to be very interactive with our customers. Our customers and following motivate us every day to do what we do!
Aside from the clothes, Good News Threads is a creative expressive hub that includes behind-the-scenes videography and photography for artists and other creatives, production assistance, creative direction and assistance, and management of artists. We strive to build relationships in the creative community that motivate and promote self-growth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners is the overall consistent growth of our brand. There have not been any stagnant periods. We are constantly learning things about our business and implementing them daily!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is Time! We both have full-time jobs on top of being business owners, and it is sometimes very hard to juggle all things life and business. Being a small business owner means working 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Our top three tips for someone looking to start, run and grow a business today are to be patient, brand yourself from the beginning, and never give up.
With anything, but especially running a small business, it takes time for things to really kick off. It is imperative to be patient and keep making small steps toward your overall goal.
Branding yourself is important too! Don’t be afraid to have a vision and execute it. People love consistency in branding, and it is what will set your brand apart from others! People will recognize you by how you brand yourself. Don’t be afraid to “update” your branding, but pick something that you love and want to stick with.
Never give up! Running a small business is hard. People will not always be in your corner or believe in the vision as you do, but if you believe in yourself, there is no limit to where your brand can go. Make the connections that matter and will help you achieve your goals. Be willing to share your experiences and expertise.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.goodnewsthreads.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodNewsThreads/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/good.news.threads/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodnewsthreads
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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