Gifts for All Occasions - JJ Art Creations

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joyce Fowler, founder of JJ Art Creations, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

We are a power couple who sell handmade goods for the home from the kitchen office to everything in between. We focus on humor and making people laugh. That is what inspires us to keep creating, as we feel that everyone should have a good laugh. We are always open to custom ideas or requests and truly are looking to bring a little extra joy to everyone's home.

Tell us about yourself

Our names are Joyce and Jordan, and we started this journey 2.5 years ago on a whim. What began as a passion for creativity amongst our family quickly grew into something bigger than everyone across the country has come to enjoy! We are passionate about making things, we both grew up loving art and using our hands, so naturally, when we met, we would always talk about what our next project would be. To this day, it's an ongoing discussion about new ideas, new products, and what our customers would like. We stay motivated by simply putting in the work every day but also lifting each other up when we have a bad day. That is what has kept our business alive. We are a great team, and we continue to evolve each and every day in our business journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Well, our biggest accomplishment, I would have to say learning every day. Honestly, running a business is always about learning how to improve, to stay ahead, and keep on top of what is a hit out there. We went into this business knowing very little about the online e-commerce world. Now I can officially say I'm an expert. It took a lot of practice, and we continue to learn every day, but the commitment has certainly paid itself off.

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

The hardest things, well, I am going to be a little vulnerable here. I would say the hardest for both of us personally is when you can't pay yourself cause you hit a roadblock. Being a business owner doesn't mean bringing in loads of money from the start, and it means that when things get tough, you have to try really hard to remain above water. We have had some moments where I was ready to throw in the towel and give up. Challenges are a real thing, and they never stop, and the hardest part as a business owner is to get through them and to find new ways to diverse yourself and grow. The end result is definitely very rewarding when you do persevere.

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

I love sharing business tips, and one thing I can say from experience is to help you grow your business. #1 commitment, don't ever give up no matter how hard it gets. #2 be humble and remain honest with yourself in your entire journey. #3 be teachable, as in allowing yourself to learn each and every day cause if you close your ability from learning, your business won't get very far.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jjartcreationsinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjartcreations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j2artcreations/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.