Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael and Emily Hyde, Owner of Hyperspace Props, located in Rigby, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We sell replica costumes and props inspired by Star Wars. We focus on currency and gambling games in the Star Wars universe. Our customers are Star Wars fans and collectors who want a real Star Wars experience.
Tell us about yourself
We originally got started creating costumes as a hobby. We joined different costuming/cosplay communities and had people interested in where we purchased/how we made our costumes. We created our first product at the end of 2018 and started selling it in 2019; it sold really well. We slowly built up a catalog. In 2019, we added plastic Star Wars currencies and metal in 2020. We've continued to add more products and designs as we're inspired. We are both passionate Star Wars fans, and it's always hard for us to clear up the blurry line between work and play. We love what we do and really feel like, at least for us, we're living the dream.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as of now has to be attending the convention Star Wars Celebration. This is the official convention of Disney/Lucasfilm and the largest Star Wars event in the world. We were able to help with hosting a panel on Sabacc (one of the games we sell) and then hosting/dealing tables at the Sabacc Tournament.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that we faced was sticking with the business. There were 2-3 years of each of us working 16-hour days and also trying to be a parent. We spent a lot of time trying to design and build out our skills, even when we were making very little money.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first tip would be to find a narrow niche. That has really catapulted our business and made us "famous" in our little space. Second, find a community that you can serve, ideally a community that you are already a part of. Third, be smart with your finances. It might sound great when you're starting to grow to take money from investors, but it'll serve you much more to just bootstrap if you are able.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hyperspaceprops.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyperspaceprops
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperspaceprops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyperspaceProps
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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