Stamped, Western and Cowhide Jewelry

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Savannah Smith, Founder of Hides and Kinds, located in Alliston, ON, Canada.

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

Hides and Kinds is a country western-based online boutique! We carry everything from handmade, customizable jewelry and accessories to apparel, stickers, can koozies, and even home decor such as kitchen towels, cowhide Christmas ornaments, and coasters! If you're a western girl or a part of the agricultural community, there's something here for you!

Tell us about yourself

I started my business during the pandemic. I was growing my herd of cattle and getting into showing them! I wanted cowhide earrings to wear while I was leading and couldn't find any, so I decided to make my own!

My friends and family loved them and started asking me to make some for them, so I turned it into a business! I've always been very hands-on, so getting to physically make something and then see someone else wearing it and loving it brings me so much joy! It's enriching and motivates me to do it every day because I love making people happy and seeing a smile on their faces!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is surpassing my goal of getting 100 sales on the website I built myself within the first year as a first-time entrepreneur! I reached that goal within the first six months and was so proud of myself! Knowing and seeing all your hard work pay off is a great feeling!

Since then, I have created new goals and even started sponsoring girls in the agricultural and rodeo communities! I have invested in a wonderful girl competing on the Ontario high school rodeo circuit and a lovely girl in 4H! I'd also love to gain more sponsorships to help other people reach their goals!

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

Time management is one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner. I am guilty of not being good at taking time for myself or giving myself a break because you're doing everything from start to finish: researching, creating, making, marketing, promoting, posting, uploading, packaging and shipping.

It's a one-woman show, and there is always something that needs to be done, but with that being said, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love every aspect of owning a business, even if it's just as small as sharing an Instagram story throughout the day or replying to comments!

Some days you feel like you've accomplished everything you wanted, and some days, you couldn't get anything done, but that's how owning your own business is! As long as you keep yourself accountable and remember that some days will be easier than others, that's what's important!

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

Make sure your business is something you're passionate about! That way, when you're working, it never feels like work because you're doing something you're passionate about and you love! If you do something you love, you'll never work a day!
Put yourself out there! I know it's nerve-wracking and challenging, especially when you're starting, but be confident in your business! Go to trade shows and markets, and let people see your work in person! It's a great way to meet other small businesses and get to know your customers!
Always stay true to yourself! Please make what you want to, and sell what you want to because it's your business and your brand! People will fall in love with your company for being authentically accurate to you and unique!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hidesandkinds.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidesandkinds/

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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