Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rosalie Gale, Owner of Monster, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Our retail shop, Monster, is located in the Ballard neighborhood in Seattle, WA. We feature the work of over 125 different independent artists and teach art & craft classes. We also rent button makers by the hour or the day.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been obsessed with indie crafts and the concept of making things in general. My husband, Doug, and I invented Shower Art - waterproof art you can hang in. your shower with a suction cup, and we spent many years doing craft shows all over the country. About ten years ago, we opened a shop called Ugly Baby in the historic Pike Place Market. Then, six years ago, we purchased Monster from Tara Smith, another local artist who runs her clothing brand, Revival Ink.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I guess when I was naked in the Huffington Post. Or maybe just the fact that we've made it through a worldwide viral pandemic and are still going.

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

Doing everything. One of the best things I've ever done was to hire someone to do my bookkeeping. You don't need to be an expert in everything. Hire actual experts and focus on things that you are passionate about.

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

  1. Start sooner than you think you can. You'll figure it out. You don't have to know everything before you begin. You can learn on the way.
  2. Find weird ways to advertise. We draw unicorns in chalk on the sidewalks from the Gum Wall right down to our shop in the Pike Place Market. We call it our literal tourist trap, and it's 1000% better than any other marketing we do.
  3. Remember to stop working sometimes. When it's your own business, it's easy to just work work work work, but taking some time for yourself is essential too. Don't forget that.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://monstermonster.shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monstermonstershop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monstermonstershop/

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.