Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dominique Ortiz, Owner of Krafty Pineapple Creations LLC., located in Derby, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Krafty Pineapple Creations is an infertility gift novelty and apparel shop online. My primary customers are generally individuals navigating their infertility journey. I also have many families and friends shopping for items to help lift the spirits of their warrior loved ones.
In addition to my infertility collection, I also create seasonal items and small business apparel and accommodate custom requests. My customer base is diverse, and I love being able to help many of their creative visions come to life or make one-of-a-kind items that you can't find in a retail store!
Tell us about yourself
One of the most important reasons this business came to fruition is our infertility journey. My husband, Adam, and I struggled for almost five years. We endured so many tests, procedures, surgeries, medications, failed cycles, sadness, and grief. It was on our fifth and final round of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) that we were blessed with twins!
After the twins were born, I felt like I had lost a certain part of my identity. I had left my career, became a twin mom, a stay-at-home mom, and was not honestly prepared for the toll it took on my mental health. I turned to crafting and creating to help keep my sanity and identity. I sat for nights drawing bracelet ideas, designing t-shirts, and brainstorming pineapple-themed items that I hoped may someday help another warrior on their journey.
It's been a few years now since we traveled that journey, but I still have and hold dear the t-shirts I wore, the special socks I made, the inspirational quotes, healing crystals, and more. I am motivated to continue dreaming and creating items that I hope will be helpful to another warrior who may be navigating the same uncertain waters I once did. Being a warrior is hard, but having cute sentimental encouraging gifts and novelties helps!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, my biggest accomplishment thus far was starting. What began in the basement of my condo is now a legal growing business. My business is known in the community, and I am working hard to make sure my warrior collection continues to grow and be the primary focus of my business. The seasonal and custom aspect of the business will remain; however, my focus and energy has shifted to make infertility awareness, gifts, and novelties a prominent part of my business. I have also started to forge relationships with other small business owners, many women-owned, to build a well-rounded gift experience for my customers. I am humble enough to say I can't make it all, so some items in my collection are handmade with love by another small business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part for me has been separating home from work. As a stay-at-home mom, I am up and on the move for more hours than I am not. When my kids are napping, I am working, when they sleep at night, I work. I sometimes forget that I need rest too! My brain is almost always on overdrive, and my desire to make this business successful keeps me up and going. I need to work on allowing myself grace as I work through these growing pains. I am working to find balance, after all, my family is most important, and our journey is what has brought me to this point!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Forget self-doubt. You are capable of great things. You can do hard things. You will do great things!
- Surround yourself with people who love and support your vision and purpose. I do not have paid employees, but I do have a supportive, loving husband and the best family I could ever ask for! They help in so many aspects of my business and make everything I do possible. They are my People, My Village!
- Step out of your comfort zone- if it makes you uncomfortable, it will likely bring you growth and new opportunities.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kraftypineapple.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kraftypineapplecreations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraftypineapplecreations/
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.