Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maryn Masumiya, Owner of Kawaii Craft Shop, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kawaii Craft Shop is an online boutique specializing in cute keepsakes made from polymer clay! I make everything from wedding cake toppers to personalized holiday ornaments and really enjoy being a part of these special moments in people’s lives. My customers are people who love handmade and personalized gifts for occasions like weddings, holidays, baby celebrations, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I started Kawaii Craft Shop in 2021 at the height of the pandemic. I was looking for a creative outlet and discovered polymer clay. It’s so rewarding to work with your hands and bring my customers’ visions to life. Their reactions are truly priceless, and it helps me stay motivated to keep working at my craft and creating things people can treasure for a lifetime.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment has been finally getting out there and doing in-person shows! I will have done six by the end of this year, and I plan to do many more next year. Connecting with my customers face-to-face is really special, and I learn so much from their real-time feedback.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing about being a business owner is juggling ALL of the things. It can make me crazy at times, and sometimes I wish I could clone myself for some extra help! I really try to prioritize my mental health and give myself compassion. At the end of the day, it can be a lot, and I can only do my best, and luckily my customers are amazing and very understanding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Connect with a community! Whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook groups, or IRL, it’s really important to have a support system to go to when you need resources or just a listening ear. It can get lonely running a business, and having a small biz squad makes it much more fun and healthy.
Be patient and try not to compare yourself to others. It’s good to learn from and be inspired by more mature businesses, but it can also make you feel like an impostor and “not good enough.” Find peers who are at the same stage as you, so you can grow alongside each other. Lastly, just keep going! Many owners get discouraged in the first few years of starting their business and give up. The longer you stay in the game, the better off you’ll be!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kawaiicraftshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kawaiicraftlady/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kawaiicraftlady/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marynm/
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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