Fair and Square - illo sketchbook

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anthony Baez, creator of illo sketchbook, located in Waterford Township, MI, USA.

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

illo sketchbook sells premium quality, square sketchbooks to artists at every skill level. I wanted to create a sketchbook that was of great quality and could compete with pro-level sketchbooks but was more affordable so that the everyday artist could enjoy a great drawing experience without having to break the bank.

Tell us about yourself

I am an artist. I went to school at the College for Creative Studies. I got a degree in illustration, so I had my fair share of sketchbooks. I never quite found anything that I loved, so I eventually created my own. But really, I owe it to God, it sounds crazy, but I had a dream one night where I saw the logo clear as day. I also woke up and typed up the about section of the website in like 15 minutes. I had ideas of how to market the business and how to grow and scale it from that one dream. It's been a blessing for sure.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think being able to have a business, in general, is a great accomplishment. I grew up in Pontiac, MI, in a not-so-great neighborhood, and I never even dreamed I could own my own business. I didn't even go to business school or anything, so I am just happy that it is going well and I haven't messed anything up! lol

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

I think the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner to me is the time that it takes and what it takes away from. I don't get to draw as much as I used to, if at all anymore. I have to focus on the business and keeping it running. So I guess the lack of leisure time is what it comes down to.

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

Do a lot of research before you start. - It took like a year to learn all of the stuff I needed to know to get the business going. I probably would've learned all of this stuff in business school, haha. But I guess I did know the marketing side of things because of art school, so it worked out. What do they say, measure three times and cut once? Definitely do extensive research and learn about the type of business you want to start before you jump in.
Don't skip any steps - I'm referring to the research that I talked about above. If you find that you are supposed to do things a certain but you think you can do it quicker, a different way, it's probably best that you don't. You will probably still get to where you want to go and end up fine if you do, but sometimes trying to do things quicker and your way instead of following the path that has already been walking can actually end up taking you longer.
Don't give up - It's going to be hard, you're going to doubt yourself, you're going to be scared, but your business will only fail if you give up. Keep going, and you will be alright. Most times, your own doubts will be your biggest hurdle.

I think I've said enough, lol. Just good luck to everyone, and I hope that they can accomplish everything they set out to. Put God first, and you'll make it no matter what, because if God is on your side, then who can be against you.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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