Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Ellinger, Owner of Halloween Emporium and Haunted Tea Room, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own the Halloween Emporium and Haunted Tea Room in Las Vegas. My customers are the best! I have many local regulars as well as tourists from all over, including overseas! My customers love Halloween and everything spooky! I have some that come here to buy ghost-hunting equipment before their next paranormal adventure, some to grab our popular honeybush banana nut tea, and some who want to take a polaroid picture with Michael Myers. We have an after-hours-themed tea class once a month and have many other activities being planned as we speak!
Tell us about yourself
I LOVE Halloween. I ghost hunt with my kids and basically just enjoy everything spooky. I decided to open my store after getting so tired of working for others. I decided to incorporate all my favorite things into one place: Coffee, Tea, and Halloween! I now love coming to work every day. I enjoy meeting new people and all the amazing conversations we have and the stories we share. I am motivated by the happiness I experience from the people that come into my store. It's a comfortable environment, and I love their excitement.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I was nominated in 3 categories for "Best of Las Vegas" only a couple of months after opening. That was amazing!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a small business owner is dishonest people who steal. It truly breaks my heart because I try to connect with every guest, and it really hurts when they steal. Also, the inconsistency in which days are the most profitable. It fluctuates so much with no rhyme or reason.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do what you love. Be sure you are passionate about it.
- It's ok to take others' advice but always go with your gut.
- Be active on social media!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://halloween-emporium.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalloweenEmporiumLasVegas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halloweenemporium/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/haunted_tea
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-ellinger-41a71725/
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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