Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabel Wilder, Owner of Gypsy Tailor, located in Lima, Peru.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a shop on Etsy called Gypsy Tailor. I sell handmade accessories, pdf sewing pattern tutorials, and sewing kits. I design and make women's and men's accessories with leather and fabrics. In 2011, I created a mini coin purse called "The Mini Gypsy Coin Purse," which has been the best seller in my shop. My customers are mainly from the United States and people looking for unique, one-of-a-kind, well-made accessories.
Tell us about yourself
Hi! I am Isabel Wilder, the hands and soul behind Gypsy Tailor! I grew up drawing, creating, and sewing. I studied Fashion Design and worked in various jobs related to design and sewing. In 2009, I found Etsy while living overseas. I had recently left my full-time job as a First Hand in the costume shop at the Washington National Opera to follow my husband in his first job assignment outside the United States. Etsy seemed like a great opportunity for me to keep creating, designing, sewing and selling. At that time, I started making accessories with leather. We were living in Buenos Aires, and the beautiful leather there inspired me. I designed and made small wallets for women and men, and with that, I opened my Etsy shop. After my "Mini Gypsy" coin purse debuted and received so much interest, I mainly focused on selling that design since it is a perfect little accessory that can be mailed anywhere in the world from the various countries in which we have lived.
My motivation to work every day is my love for sewing and creativity. I like to sketch my ideas and craft them into a final piece. That is a huge motivation for me – to try out ideas, experiment with materials, and see what my hands can create. Seeing that people like my designs and accessories motivates me to work even harder!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I look back and see all the items I have made, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I have created thousands of pieces, and I know that many of them are being used all over the world. Many of them were given as birthday presents, Christmas gifts, and even wedding ring holders, which makes me feel so happy! More recently, I have been sewing with fabrics that I design myself. Also, launching a sewing class on Skillshare was a big accomplishment and a great experience. I feel that learning and doing new things is helping my business grow and move in new directions!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Staying focused and working on what needs to be done to move a business forward. Sometimes it is easier to work on things we already know how to do very well, but that means there will not be changes or new growth. I think knowing where to put our time and effort is something hard for small business owners – especially when we are a one-person show and we are the only ones making decisions on what to do next for our businesses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start! The hardest thing in anything is just starting. But if you want to open your own business, just start working towards that. Start means researching your idea, what you want to make and sell, and which platform will work best for you. I dedicated many months to researching and reading about platforms, following other sellers to learn about photography, how to write descriptions of items, and how to handle shipping. Just start by doing something every day, which will add up later!
- Once you have opened your business, make a lot of products, build a stock of products and try out your ideas. The only way to know if an idea is good is by making it real and seeing if it will sell. For me, it has worked best to start on a small scale. For example, if I have an idea for a new product, I make one and add it to my shop to see how well-received it is. Just remember, if the idea works, you will need lots of materials to replicate it. Be strategic when it comes to creating a new product, so your time and effort give you the most results.
- Listen to your customers and be kind. Some of my best-selling designs were initially custom items my customers asked me to make. Customers provide the best feedback and ideas. Be kind and grateful to your customers. Saying thanks and trying to fix any problems that might happen with a sale is key to having loyal customers and making them feel that you care.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://www.gypsytailor.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyTailor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GypsyTailor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gypsytailor/
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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