Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handcrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Lake, Co-Founder, and Owner of Misty Morning Crafts, located in Casselberry, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Misty Morning Crafts is a pottery studio mainly; in addition to functional pottery and ceramic sculpture, we also create custom handmade greeting cards and gifts, jewelry, graphic design services, 3D printed images, and teach classes on various artistic items. Our customer base is typically local community members who stop by our farmers market and others seeking a place to relax and de-stress through creating their own art in a fun and empowering environment.
Tell us about yourself
I (Kate) grew up in Northern Indiana and had been collecting arts and craft supplies and creating art as far back as I can remember. Creativity was highly encouraged by my family, and early on, I developed a love for learning new things and finding social outlets for it... Singing, acting, crafting… gravitating toward anything handmade. I received such a sense of joy and accomplishment out of creating and finding new things to try, and I have never tired of it - jewelry making, metal smithing, resin, paper crafts, lampworking, and I also love sharing art and helping others learn in hopes of instilling that feeling in others. Creating had always been secondary to my career and an ever-present source of happiness in my life - from collecting and organizing the supplies and saving little treasures to use in art one day to the process of making and sharing pieces with family and friends. I lacked confidence early on, taking a shoebox of creations into an office for co-workers to just take and enjoy, and received so much positive feedback over time that I finally got the courage to get out there at farmer's markets and now art festivals, and still feel surprised at the positive compliments and strangers actually wanting to buy something I made with my hands! It just blows me away and motivates me to keep creating.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say just getting up the courage to officially start the business - that was a reality check for me. I had always set it aside as a hobby and went through periods where I wouldn't create for months at a time and then sit down and make several things in one day... forming a business was confirmation of a commitment to make it a regular part of my life, and a dream come true.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I am really challenged with assigning value to things I create. I know the material costs and time to complete pieces, but sometimes I under-value my skills and time when creating a piece. I have a soft spot for the spirit of giving and being of service. As a business owner, I have to be mindful of my business plan and expenses and monitor my urge to give things away to ensure I can be sustainable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Think it through and host informational interviews with people who have "been there, done that" - the insights and lessons learned are so valuable!
- Spend the time to develop your business plan and structure so you have a strong foundation for launch - keeping track of your initial expenses, customer contact information, communication strategy, how you're going to manage money, etc. There is time to figure out the details as you go, and it was incredibly helpful to me to establish a base of operations and adjust from there as I gained experience and wisdom.
- Feel the fear and do it anyway! It's hard work and also very rewarding to know what you're capable of and to keep stretching toward your goals and dreams.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Self-doubt and limiting beliefs continue to be my biggest hurdle, despite the external feedback I receive. I'm working hard to overcome that and keep focused on my dream of creating and sharing it with others. My soul and spirit are so full when I'm doing what I love. Even though I have moments of fear and want to give up, I just get on the pottery wheel or get into my craft room, and I'm reminded of why I do this and keep going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mistymorningcrafts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.w.lake.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistymorningcraftsbykate/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-lake-a64b8a23/
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.
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