Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nici Young, owner of Poppy's Hobbies, located in Shady Cove, OR, USA.

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

We make crafting fun and simple for crafters of all skill levels. We make DIY Decor, giving our customers everything they need to create a fun seasonal decor piece. The wood cutouts in our kits are produced by our family and combined with carefully curated craft supplies.

Tell us about yourself

I started crafting with my mom. Sometimes we craft with other family members. It's always a great way to sit and connect. When I first started this business, we were selling just the supplies separately. So many people said, "that's so cute; I just am not crafty, I wouldn't know where to start." So we started putting everything together in a kit with step-by-step instructions. We have crafters that have incredible skills that purchase our boxes because we make them simple. They don't have to shop all over and go to multiple craft stores to get what they need. We have beginning crafters who love learning new skills or improving on their crafting skills each month. Nothing inspires me more or motivates me more than when I see a post in our Maker's Group of one of our completed kits. It is such an incredible reward to know they were able to make this incredible piece using our supplies and instructions. To see them beaming with pride it's an incredible feeling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Care.com ranked us in their top 10 subscriptions as gifts for seniors this last holiday season. That was such an honor. CrateJoy also ranked us in the "Best of the Best" 2021. And while those honors are incredible and very humbling, I think the biggest accomplishment is something much simpler.

I've watched women sit at our craft table, complete strangers when they walked in the door, connect and bond over our crafts. I've seen women share their struggles, shed tears, share the good news, discuss politics without bitterness. I've watched as they share their journeys and make friends while working on one of our kits. I've read emails about customers crafting with their great aunts, grandchildren, girlfriends, or coworkers. That feels like something so much bigger than top 10 rankings and monetary successes. Bringing people together is our greatest success.

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

The balancing act. Growing your business, but not so fast, it spins out of control. Keeping costs down, profits up, and delivering an amazing product that customers are thrilled with. Then I think the next biggest challenge is learning to take criticism with a grain of salt. You will not please everyone. It's just not possible. At some point, you will receive a negative review. It's important to learn not to take it personally while looking to see if you can improve on something.

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

The first thing I would tell someone who is looking to start or grow their business is to make sure you love your business. That you've chosen an industry/niche that you are truly passionate about. Because there are going to be tough days, one of those days, going back to your roots and remembering why you love doing this is what helps propel you forward. Second, be willing to work your tail off. So many people don't realize how much work it really takes to grow a business. I've seen many people think, "I will just put together this awesome product, put it on a website, and wait for the money to roll in." Be prepared for long hours, work on the weekends, and sacrifice. The third tip is the rewards are worth all of the work, and the sky is the limit. It's going to be hard, but it is absolutely worth it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think the final thoughts I'd love to share with other business owners are to stay true to yourself and enjoy the ride. Being an entrepreneur often feels more like a roller-coaster ride than a drive on the fast lane. You are going to have twists and turns, highs and lows. Use those lows. They force you to become inventive and learn where you can cut and improve. The momentum you will build when times are tough will drive you to not only reach your goals but blow past them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.poppyshobbies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poppyshobbies1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppyshobbies/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nici-young-0a84a92b/

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.