Adventure Inspired Apparel That Gives Back - Illumine Collect

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeremy Lux, Founder of Illumine Collect, located in Rogersville, MO, USA.

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

Illumine makes adventure-inspiring apparel to build outdoor communities that give back. Each month we partner with a nonprofit, making the outdoors more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming. To date, we've raised over $29,917 for 22 different nonprofits. Our customers are outdoor enthusiasts that also understand the importance of giving back to the outdoor community and helping others.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up riding BMX bikes - which started my love for the outdoors and adventure. It provided me the opportunity to travel the world to see things and meet people that I otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity. To stay involved in the outdoors, I started Illumine but wanted to make sure there was a real reason behind it. That's when I discovered many outdoor nonprofits, including ones that protect and create our outdoor spaces and offer programs for individuals with varying needs. Seeing the work that these nonprofits do keeps me motivated every day to see this thing through. It's hard not to be inspired seeing their direct impact!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is our 6th year in business, which I feel is an accomplishment in itself. Many people have a dream but give up when the going gets tough. There have been plenty of tough over the years, and while we're not where we need to be, every year, we adapt to continue growth and ultimately impact.

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

Illumine is a small business with a handful of contracted employees. Because of that, I manage just about every aspect of the business. It's easy to get pulled in different directions and truly not have any council to go by. Some of those directions have been the wrong ones, resulting in strain on cash flow/business health. Being responsible for everything also makes it a challenge to focus on the day-to-day, which needs to happen - vs. the true operational things that will grow the business.

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

1. If you want to start a business - make sure it's something you're truly passionate about. I've struggled over the years with many parts of the business, but at the end of the day, I know my why. That gives me the courage to push through and find a way - even when it's not evident.
2. Find people that you can surround yourself with to support your idea. That can be friends, family, or employees. That support is tremendous because growing a business is a hard and lonely road.
3. Marketing is important, but don't throw a bunch of money at it and cross your fingers that it's going to drive the revenue you expect. This advice would be different for someone that has a lot of start-up capital, but if you don't, then you must be smart and strategic. Success doesn't happen overnight; it takes years and years, and if you don't have the cash to withstand the beginning years than it will cause unnecessary stress. Something I had to learn the hard way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://illuminecollect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminecollect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminecollect/

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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