Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peter Schrock, co-owner of Paintable Pictures, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

Paintable Pictures is a custom paint by number company. We take treasured photos and turn them into guided painting experiences that paint that image. Our kits are all-inclusive. They include a pre-designed canvas, all the necessary paints, and brushes.

Tell us about yourself

My business partner and I first started working on Paintable Pictures when he ordered a custom paint by number for his mother's 66th birthday. Unfortunately, and to his surprise, it was made in China and took around five weeks to arrive. He was very disappointed by the experience, so we put our heads together and figured out how to make high-quality custom paint by number products here in the US that could be delivered to customers' doorsteps in just a few days rather than in a few weeks.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Figuring out an economical process to create a high-quality custom product in the United States and be able to create jobs for Americans.

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

I think the hardest thing about being a business owner is that the buck always stops with you. If something doesn't go well, it's always your fault. You can't just wash your hands of the situation because it's 5 pm.

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

  1. Don't try to build a multi-billion dollar company in 1 day; narrow your focus and find a way to be the best in the world at that one thing. Then once that works, expand in concentric circles from there.
  2. I think a lot of would-be business owners get trapped in the mindset of thinking they need to do a bunch of administrative work to get started (create an LLC, open a bank account, etc.) You do want to do that stuff, but maybe not right away. The hardest problem in business is making something people want. Focus on that problem first.
  3. Be willing to figure out how to do things you've never done before. Starting a business is an adventure, and it requires being able to wear many hats.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://paintablepictures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintablePictures/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintablepictures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paintablepictu1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paintable-pictures/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.