Handmade Meets Sustainability - Hello Hue Studio
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Skye Livingston, Founder of Hello Hue Studio, located in Rollinsford, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hello Hue Studio uses botanical dyes and natural fibers to create textile accessories for a more colorful everyday life. My core product line focuses on pillows and small bags, but I'm expanding this year to feature more one-of-a-kind wall hangings and upcycled garments. My customers tend to be people who value handmade products and thoughtful designs, and my accessory bags are very popular as gifts.
Tell us about yourself
I started sewing in elementary school and always knew I wanted to spend my life working with textiles, so I went to a college with an incredible fiber arts program. After a decade in various arts administration roles, I knew it was time for me to venture out on my own and try running my own business. Being 100% responsible for all aspects of my business is a huge but rewarding challenge, and I absolutely love it. I'm also a big nerd for sustainability - both in terms of materials and ethical production - so I'm motivated to grow my business with the hopes of educating people and pulling them away from the fast consumption cycle and disposability culture perpetuated by big box stores.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Breaking even this past year while paying myself regularly! It was a struggle at times, but paying myself first was a big mindset shift that helped me prioritize and get my finances in order.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As the only person working for my business (for now!), it can be really isolating, especially when I'm working on a big production run in the studio alone day after day. I also sometimes struggle with maintaining what feels like the "boring" parts of running a business when the creative parts are so much more fun.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research and test out your ideas and sales strategies before you quit your day job.
- Have a goal: define what success looks like for you and your business.
- Start small and grow intentionally! You don't have to buy everything all at once in the beginning, and you can probably make do with less than you think.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hellohuestudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloHueStudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohue_studio/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.