You Make It Simple - Jan Howell

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jan Howell, Wellness Consultant, Yoga Instructor, and Artist based in North Ogden, UT, USA.

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

I help DIY crafters take back their creative passion by providing them with patterns and project tutorials that are easy to follow and quick to make. Most projects utilize upcycled fabric and materials, making the projects inexpensive and environmentally compatible. I sell sewing patterns and teach sewing tutorials via YouTube.

Tell us about yourself

Sewing and crafting have been a part of my life since I was a child. I come from a very industrious family who love doing things with their hands. I enjoy creating things that have unique colors, texture, and, most of all, a purpose. Felted wool sweaters are items I enjoy working with. A pair of wool mittens was the first pattern I designed using felted wool sweaters. I loved how the mittens felt on my hands, and I began thinking how good they would feel on my feet as well. This led me to design a slipper pattern, and the rest is history. Many patterns later using felted wool, I am still coming up with ways to use this unique material. Bags, hats, slippers, hand warmers, bunnies, bears, toys, flowers, and even birds have been made using my stash of felted wool sweaters.

Sewing and creating things are only one of my passions. I dapple in a little of this and a little of that as I strive to find balance in my world of so many interests. I also enjoy painting and graphic design. I have several online shops where I sell patterns and unique items made by me. I love to post tutorials, healthy recipes, and tips for sewing on my blog.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

During the pandemic, I continued to teach sewing tutorials on YouTube and was so thrilled to hear comments from people who thanked me for helping them find their love for sewing again after decades of not touching their sewing machines.

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

Since I work from home, I think one of the hardest things is to know when to stop working. It's really easy to just keep working on a project way past the normal working hour day. The other challenge for me is having so many interests and things I want to teach and design and knowing which project I want to do next.

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

1. Find something you are passionate about so work is not something you dread.
2. Hire out some things so you have more time to create. (something I struggle with)
3. Don't compare yourself with others doing the same thing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://youmakeitsimple.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063836970198
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmakeitsimple/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-howell-37478b85/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.