Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mariahjozzel Agustin, co-owner of Joyful Creations, located in Chula Vista, CA, USA.

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

Joyful Creations is a small business that creates decorations for parties or holidays, gifts, and celebration leis for all occasions. When we started Joyful Creations officially, we started out by only servicing family and close friends. We are very family-oriented, and I believe that's why we attract customers who have so much love for their family and friends. They are people who want to make an event (birthday, holiday, work/school promotion) extra special or to express their love when someone reaches a milestone. When we speak to our clients to get to know them and their ideas, they always radiate pride and excitement, which gets my mom and I very passionate about our work.

Tell us about yourself

My mom (Joy) has always been crafty, decorating weddings, Quinceanera's, debuts, work parties, etc., for close friends and family. However, she was working 9-5 jobs, so it was not something she could often do. Unfortunately, my dad fell ill a few years back, so she was unable to work a 9-5 due to all his appointments. So, to relieve stress during those times, we started crafting together, and I encouraged her to do what she's passionate about! So now she is able to stay by my dad's side and craft her heart out!

What motivates me is that I get to spend a lot of time with my mom. I love that we research ideas together and get to create something so big for others. Friendships I gain from my clients are another motivation. I follow several of my clients on Facebook, and although I created a lei years ago for that client, we are still sending each other support by commenting on each other's posts.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting a small business is scary, especially when I was raised to get a stable, "normal" job. So, during the pandemic, Joyful Creations decided not to advertise leis because it was a scary time. People are losing their jobs; people are getting sick, etc. Out of the blue large waves of orders were coming through. People were tagging us left and right on social media. So to me, people noticing our work and choosing to invest and support us, even in the darkest times, is so touching. Also, people reaching out to us telling us, "you created my child's middle school, high school, and college lei" or "you created the lei for all my children," is such an honor to my mom and me.

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

One of the hardest things is boundaries. We love crafting! So much that sometimes we can craft all day and all night. We forget to eat a snack or get up and stretch! Because to us, it's not a job; it's something we do together while binge-watching or telling stories. Time flies!

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

  1. Spend that extra time with clients. Talk to them like family; they will keep coming back and keep referring you!
  2. As tempting as doing all your ideas at once is, I think finding your main niche and perfecting that. Then as you go, start adding services or products!
  3. Get organized! Make sure you are tracking every transaction, mileage, time spent, and all the other details. This can help you when you file taxes but also help you realize what you can cut out or do less of. Example, do less supply runs in a week if you can to save gas and time. Or if you notice one service/product takes too much time, is not popular, or is too expensive, then maybe we should take it out or find a more sustainable way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

With covid restrictions lifting, we are now starting to accept clients who need decorations for special events and hosting Flower Crown classes!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.joyfulcreations.shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfulcreations1203
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulcreations1203/

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.