Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Jones, founder of Mike Jones Knife and Tool, located in Quesnel, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make heirloom-quality knives and tools for chefs, hunters, and outdoorsmen who appreciate craftsmanship, design, and aesthetics. I'm "making 'em like they used to."
Tell us about yourself
Building knives was a hobby that grew into a passion and eventually took over as my profession. Initially, the creativity of building whatever I could think of was a driving force. Now, photos and kind words from happy customers push me to continually improve and provide a product to the best of my ability.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Supporting my family with my work is a huge accomplishment, but one of which I'm most proud of is working with Fight For The Forgotten to raise enough money to build three wells in the Congo, which each provide clean water to an entire community of people.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The biggest obstacle I have to overcome is psychological. My business is a rollercoaster and anything but consistent. It's feast or famine, and it can be a struggle to believe things will pick back up again in those low moments. Luckily they always have, so far.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do it. Stop waiting for the right time, be completely prepared or confident, or even fully comfortable with the idea. That will never come, and you'll end up wasting a lot of time. You may not know exactly what you're doing, but don't worry, none of us do.
- Don't have a plan B. I'm not saying to have a safety net of any kind, but if it HAS to work, you'll make it work. You have to put yourself in a bit of a position of desperation to fully commit and ensure you're eating, breathing, and sleeping your business. Anything less is an injustice to your entrepreneurship.
- Be flexible in everything. It may not end up being exactly what you were setting out to build, but the willingness to pivot and follow trends or adjust to markets may save you in difficult times.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's better to take a swing and strike out than wish you'd stepped up to the plate at all. Don't look back in 5 or 10 years and wish you'd taken a chance on yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mikejonesknifeandtool.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikejonesknifeandtool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikejonesknifeandtool/
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.
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