Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Johnson, CEO of Hazel and Olive, located in Rockwall, TX, USA.

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

Hazel and Olive is an online women's clothing boutique. Our customers range from ages 14-50. We have a large following of sorority college girls but offer such a wide variety that we also have teenagers and women in their 40' who love our styles as well.

Tell us about yourself

I started this business in my tiny apartment in 2012 with $300. I was determined to provide the best customer service, low pricing, and great quality. I had dreamt of having my own clothing company since I was 5 years old. Every day I am living my dream and motivated to continue finding the best styles for our customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making it into Inc 5000 fastest growing companies and making a 40 under 40 entrepreneur list!

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

Managing a work and family life balance is the hardest part for me. I love to work and have to remind myself to find balance.

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

  1. Be willing to put in the work. I started off working 18-hour days for the first year and still work 14-hour days.
  2. Find something that makes your business unique....don't just copy something you've seen that you like the idea of.
  3. Find reliable employees you can trust...this was the hardest part for me, and after some trial and error, I have an amazing team that the business could not run without!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hazelandolive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazelandOliveBoutique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelandolive_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hazel_and_Olive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-johnson-4a625294/

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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