Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah McEwan, owner of Mimosa Goods, located in Bordentown, NJ, USA.

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

Mimosa Goods is an eco-friendly general store in Bordentown, NJ. I source a curated collection of gifts and goods that are sustainable, ethically produced, and locally made. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a gift, we help you support artists and makers who create products that do some good in the world.

I have a quote from Jane Goodall on our wall that really sums up the mission: "You can not get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." My customers are locals and visitors who really get that mission - they want to shop for good.

Tell us about yourself

Mimosa Goods really began out of my own frustration with online shopping. I wanted to buy better and support causes that mattered to me with the purchases I was making. It wasn't always easy to find items that fit my aesthetic (and budget), and this took a lot of time and research. I'd owned my own business before. When I was ready to jump back into this entrepreneurial role, I knew I would be providing a valuable service to my community by taking the guesswork out of shopping sustainably.

The makers and customers I work with keep me going every day. I love telling the story behind each product - why it's here in the shop and why it's special.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm really proud of the number of women-owned businesses we represent at Mimosa Goods. For some of those business owners, this is the first place they've ever sold their work, and it's rewarding to support other entrepreneurs as they begin to make their own dreams come true. Today we have products from over 30 women-owned businesses in this little store!

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

It can sometimes be tough to compete when you have a mission-driven business. Sourcing ethically made and sustainable goods mean that I will never be the cheapest option around. We're not the spot for a "great deal," so we embrace being educators.

Why is this fair-trade chocolate bar more expensive than a KitKat? We have the opportunity to answer questions like that every day - and our answer might influence the purchasing power of that individual in a really impactful way. It isn't easy, but I wouldn't change it.

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

  1. Your customers are your community. When we first opened, I couldn't afford to advertise - my customers did that for me. They made sure this business survived! Support your local school's fundraising events. Make sure everyone feels welcome - if you take care of your community, they will take care of you.
  2. Revisit your business plan yearly. If the past two years taught us anything, it's that small businesses need to be adaptable to survive and thrive.
  3. It took me five years to learn this, but it's ok to make time for yourself and your family. If you have to close an hour early to make it to just one of your kid's soccer games - do it. Everyone will understand.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning your own business is incredibly rewarding, but it can be stressful. Connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs - it's so helpful to have someone to talk to who really gets this life!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mimosagoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mimosagoods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimosagoods/

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.