Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kirpal Brown, Founder of Objets d'Art & Spirit, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Objets d' Art & Spirit is a spiritual gift shop on the west side of Los Angeles. Our customers are as diverse as LA is but all have in common that they want something that touches or reinforces spirituality in their lives. We have many people in the entertainment industry.

Tell us about yourself

In my high school yearbook, there is a photo of me reading tarot cards surrounded by a circle of classmates. I was very spiritual since childhood, and although raised in an Irish Catholic home, my maternal grandparents, born in the 19th century, taught me that natural magic could be part of my spiritual life. My paternal grandmother was part Yaki from Mexico and was called Herb Mary. I practice folk magic and experienced many misconceptions and pigeonholing of magic, so I knew I wanted to help people see it in pure light. While I was working doing PR at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, my office was filled with crystals, candles, and magical things. Like in every other place in life, I was sought out to answer questions and give advice or my special insight on people's lives. One day a comic had too many questions, and I said,": Just write yourself a check for 10 million dollars and date it in the future..." I knew I could change lives but needed a safe way to do it, so I opened a store. I have had an entrepreneurial side since childhood, too- when I would go to Disneyland, I would wander through the shops in amazement. I would "pet" the fixtures- display cases, shelves, counters. My mother would ask what I wanted, and I would say, "a fixture," Now, for a seven-year-old, that's odd. My mom would say, "honey, that's furniture," and I would pipe up, "oh no, mommy, it's a Fixture."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business for 37 years on the Westside of LA is my biggest accomplishment. LA, particularly the Westside, is a fickle retail market. It's a place with a lot of disposable income, and lots of big-name brands with pocketsful of cash can take out glitzeach other. Objets d' Art & spirit has kept it simple. Before being on Sunset Blvd., we were on La Cienega because La Cienega was the dividing street between the rich and famous of LA and the rest of LA, so it was ok for everybody to come to the store- you could be a billionaire, movie star, busboy or hooker. Our "gifts" and our gift were for everyone.

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

Resilience !!! And Integrity!!! In order to stay the course of the ups and downs of retail, you have to surf through its good and bad times -sales are like waves, sometimes a trickle, sometimes a swell. You have to be able to take the crash of the waves and the trickle of water. You also need to have integrity in what you sell. You need a good eye for a good product and to know that it is right for the purchaser. Better to have a customer for decades rather than one big sale. Don't be greedy!! Make a fair profit but don't gouge- If a retail store's rent is high, then their product is going to cost more. There are some spiritual jewelry designers and candle companies who source their work out, and it may look pretty, but it has no heart or energy. It is just an expensive price tag, look, and graphic. Conversely, it can be a knockoff made at the same factory as the expensive outsourced goods and be cheap. Know that price, high or low, doesn't always reflect the energy and real value of a product. Buy what you know has the right integrity, not your own taste. Be Fair.

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

  1. Love! Love whatever your business is! If you love what you do and it is your passion, you will have longevity in business. That love you have for your business will carry you through highs and lows and doldrums just as it would in a marriage or with your kids and family.
  2. Discerning Value! Value those who work for you and support you. This includes your workers, friends, and family because your own business will impact the lives of those close to you. Value isn't just payment for work done; it is knowing who someone is and what they contribute or takes away from your business.
  3. Code of Ethics! Your doors are open to whoever walks through your business door. Strangers get to see into something you have created and no matter if they love it or not. It's yours and an expression of your love, time, energy, and sweat. John Wooden's Pyramid of Success or Genne Autry's Cowboy Code, or your own spiritual/religious beliefs, can guide you in developing this aspect of yourself and your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://objetsdartandspirit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ObjetsDArtAndSpirit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ObjetsDArtAndSpirit/

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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