Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mary Dreesen, Owner of Orange Turtle Lane, located in Bixby, OK, USA.

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

My business is Orange Turtle Lane, and we specialize in products for your home and everyday living. But, we're not your typical home store. We are thrilled to bring together highly skilled artisans and our customers who appreciate and want authentic handcrafted goods. These works of art are ethically made and responsibly sourced, and many of our products are fair trade certified, which lets our customers know that their purchases are directly having a positive impact on the life of the maker as they work to create sustainable living. This allows them to support their family, send their children to school, and grow their communities. Giving our customers an opportunity to not only enhance their homes but also make a difference as they shop is a wonderful feeling!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Mary Dreesen. I live in Oklahoma with my husband, two children, and one very large Saint Bernard. I continue to work full-time in the medical field but have always known I wanted to own my own business. Even before I knew specifically what I wanted to sell, I did know I wanted it to be meaningful, unique, and different.

Choosing a business focused on the home was a natural fit. I have always enjoyed having meaningful pieces in my home. I'm always reminded of a trip to S. Korea that my husband and I made several years ago to adopt our oldest son. We wandered into a small ceramics shop off a side road, and I was immediately drawn to the beautiful pieces. We were thrilled to meet the actual artist, and they shared their technique for getting a certain pattern in their designs. I purchased a bowl and plate from this artist, and I love that I know the story behind the piece. It is something very special to our family.

Since most of us will not be able to travel the globe and meet individual artists, my desire is to bring those beautifully unique artisan-crafted products made here in the US and across the globe to my store. We want our customers to be able to "see" the hand of the artisan in their product and know they have a special piece. Having the opportunity to help others create a unique and beautiful space while making a difference in the lives of others is my motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I'm here and in business. Taking the step to just say I'm doing this was a huge accomplishment. There were so many times I would second guess myself, but through the wonderful support of family, friends, and fellow business owners, I was able to overcome and move forward.

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

One of the hardest things about owning a business for me has been developing a schedule that accommodates family time, my business as well as my full-time job. It's easy to get sidetracked on things that take you away from what's important (both personally and professionally), so getting it scheduled and automated is key. I have discovered so many tools that help with automation which has been wonderful.

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

  1. Don't let fear stand in your way. I could have easily talked myself out of starting because of not knowing where to start or questioning why someone would want to buy from me, but there are so many resources to help you get started, and trust me, there is room for you.
  2. Choose something you are passionate about. Truly believing in your product/service will keep you motivated.
  3. Stay organized from the start! HA! Honestly, an organization is so important and makes things run much smoother and more efficient down the road. It's no fun, and it's very time-consuming, having to backtrack and get things organized after the fact! (Ask me how I know.)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.orangeturtlelane.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeturtlelane/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marydreesen/

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.