Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josie Flores, founder of KnitChats, located in Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

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

KnitChats is tech support for knitters and crocheters. We come to the rescue of those who are stuck on a pattern or technique. Our small but mighty team of vetted, experienced instructors is on it!

Tell us about yourself

I learned to knit and crochet in high school from my amazing home economics teacher, Mrs. Bechok. She was the OG Martha Stewart. Throughout my life, from college to raising kids to a 25+ year corporate career, I kept returning to this little hobby. One day, I decided to buy a small brick-and-mortar retail knitting business. Daily interaction with my customers is how I honed my skills. I successfully exited this business and, several months later, founded KnitChats.

I'm inspired by the history and traditions of the fiber arts and how this thousands-year-old craft has evolved into modern culture. My passion to pass along the knowledge to newer generations is one I have the privilege to share with my awesome team of co-teachers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building and growing the KnitChats Help Line as a subscribed service and serving our community of crafters!

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

The journey is full of highs and lows. You're the ultimate decision-maker and therefore accountable for all the consequences of those decisions.

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

  1. Whatever it is, just start! Make sure you can answer how it solves a problem or serves a need.
  2. Work on your business as a side hustle to start. See if you can build it, gain traction and then decide if this is something worth all the sweat and sleepless nights ahead of you.
  3. Be patient. Building something worth anything is not a sprint; it's a marathon.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Follow your dreams!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.knitchats.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knitchats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knitchats/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-flores-a64419a2/

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.