Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dustin Rector, Co-Owner of James' Sweet Spot, located in Kannapolis, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a nostalgic candy, puzzle, and board game store. We carry those hard-to-find candies of yesteryear and the candies you can find at your local convenience store. Our selection of puzzles is pretty impressive, with over eight different puzzle brands. We also carry a selection of retro board games you played as a child as well as some new games. Our selection of Funko POP! grows daily for the collector in you.
Our customers range in age from the very young to the very old. We mainly have local customers, word of mouth travels fast in a small town, but our customers are now coming in from the areas around Kannapolis. We have shipped our products to customers in Kannapolis to as far away as Oregon and states in between.
Tell us about yourself
My father passed away without fulfilling his dream of opening his own small business, a candy and puzzle store. He had put together many ideas of how he wanted this store to be. My sisters, mother, and I put all his ideas together and added in some of ours and made his dream come to life. Our father's memory and drive to succeed motivate us daily to continue to honor him. Also, knowing that we are here each day for our customers, who are appreciated more each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing the excitement on customers' faces, from the young to the elderly. The nostalgia that you can see in the eyes of our older customers is priceless! After all, it is all about the experience the customer receives in our store.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The 120% commitment that is needed to keep it going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You MUST be 120% committed to the business. If not, it absolutely will not succeed.
- Plan, plan, plan. If you think you have planned enough, you probably haven't.
- Be prepared to adjust your vision quickly to stay relevant.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jamessweetspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamessweetspot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamessweetspot/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesSweetSpot1
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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