Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonaa Smith, Founder of Not Your Average Artistry LLC., located in Greensboro, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a personalizing craft business; I specialize in personalizing everyday items and making things such as flower mobiles, flower walls, and welcome signs. My customers are anyone who enjoys personalized items and home decor.
Tell us about yourself
My love language of gift-giving is what started my business. My friends were beginning to have children, and I didn't want to buy them the usual diapers and onesies. I wanted to gift them something they could use and keep as the baby grew, so I began to paint and personalize wooden boxes. From there, my business was born and has continued to blossom. I am motivated by the appreciation and excitement of my customers. There's nothing that makes me happier than putting a smile on someone's face when they receive an item that is made just for them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment thus far has been receiving orders from overseas as well as being asked to make tumblers for a giveaway at Essence Festival. Anytime my business reaches outside of North Carolina, I look at it as a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner, in my opinion, is having to remain consistent and motivated during the ups and downs of business. Some days I can get so many orders I lose count, and then there's weeks will pass, and I will only have a handful of orders.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first tip is to make sure it's something you greatly enjoy, not something that's financially beneficial. My second tip is to be consistent. However you choose to market and sell, you have to consistently show up in those spaces. My final tip is to have a good team. Entrepreneurship can get tough, and you will need someone or maybe even a group of people to help you at some point.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.notyouravgart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Notyouraverageartistry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyouraverageartistry/
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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