Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nikki White, Founder of Glitter Bones Boutique, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My brand is named Glitter Bones Boutique. We make expressive content for modern-day humans. Our products are made in small batches with love (and a lil bit of spite) in Toronto, Canada.
Tell us about yourself
I started Glitter Bones in 2015 as a creative outlet for my corporate day job. My fine art practice (painting and photography) kind of morphed into Glitter Bones. You could say I basically switched one art practice for the other.
As far as what keeps me motivated, I always love when I connect with customers in person, and they laugh and exclaim "RELATABLE" when they see my products. I speak from personal experience in my artwork, so it's great that so many people can relate to and enjoy what I've done. I love what I do, it's fun and an extension of myself, so I'm generally always on the go, but of course, some days, I feel like giving up.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
First and foremost, not giving up. Then came leaving my day job to have more time for Glitter Bones. I currently freelance as a graphic designer with different clients, but I have much more time and flexibility to work on my artwork. And to wrap it up, it's also pretty cool that our product can be found in brick-and-mortar shops across North America.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Falling into the comparison trap! Comparing myself to others online and their perceived success. Some days it makes me want to say, "Who cares what I have to offer? It doesn't matter. I'm just making stupid little trinkets." This is when my friends and boyfriend talk some sense into me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small don't go all in from the get-go; that requires too much investment of funds and time. Come up with some core ideas and go from there.
- Build a strong brand identity. It's natural for a brand to evolve and change over time, but if you can spend time before launch creating your brand and finding your audience, it will help in the long run.
- Be yourself and do your own thing. It's ok to find inspiration in others, but at the end of the day, you want to be uniquely YOU; that's what people will love.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Huge thanks to my friends and boyfriend, who have been the most supportive people I could ever ask for. Whether it's "approving" my designs, helping out at shows, or just being there, I appreciate it all more than they'll ever know.💖
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.glitterbonesboutique.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitterbonesboutique/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boutiquebones
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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