Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Layl McDill, co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

I get to play with clay for a living! I am a sculptor working with polymer clay and found objects. I sell my sculptures AND the by-product of my work called "Silly Millies," that are clay kits. My customers are adults of all ages that collect my pieces for themselves and as gifts. Adults and kids love to use my Silly Millies in a variety of crafts. People are drawn to my work because it fills them with wonderment and inspiration.

Tell us about yourself

I always knew I wanted to be both an artist and a mother, but I didn't know how that would happen. Right out of art school, I started selling at art fairs, and I was amazed that I could make whatever my imagination could come up with, and people would buy it! Once I had my daughters (25 years ago), I found that working in polymer clay worked great for multitasking- I could create on the go with kids everywhere I went. I love selling my art directly to people, both in-person and online. My art is owned by thousands of people, and I never get tired of hearing that people have enjoyed my work for many years. I never seem to run out of ideas, so I can't imagine stopping.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Over the years, I've been able to mentor multiple artists to help them achieve their goals of selling their art. I feel so lucky to have made a living as an artist full-time since 1993, and I love to share my experience with artists that want to do the same. When I see the artists that I've worked with, some in big ways and some in small ways, getting to live their dreams, I feel more successful than ever.

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

No matter how successful I've been over the years finding balance is always the hardest thing to keep. I often find myself feeling guilty no matter what I am doing- feeling like I should be doing something else. I have to constantly convince myself that I am spending my time wisely and that I have to make time for my art, the business side of the art, family, friends, and MYSELF! All these things are important for a healthy business and life.

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

  1. I always tell creatives to find a way to market their business that they also really love. If you love marketing, you will do it- if you don't, you won't do it.
  2. Join organizations in your field. This is a way to make networking fun.
  3. Volunteer in those organizations to give back, and you will also receive!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The other major strength of my business is that I share it with my husband, who is also a clay artist. He creates tiles in ceramic clay. We have a structure that means we have been able to support each other as our parts of the business ebbs and flows over the years. It also meant we never had a constant paycheck to rely on. Having someone to discuss business decisions with has been essential and still is!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://claysquared.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layl.mcdill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylmcdill/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laylm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layl-mcdill-49342110/

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.