Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacqueline Abner, owner, and founder of Posh Goth, located in Shirley, MA, USA.

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

Posh Goth is a cruelty-free beauty brand catering to gothic and alternative subcultures.

Tell us about yourself

When I first started Posh Goth in 2015, I had no plan. I started it as a creative outlet and treated it as a hobby from the jump. It wasn't about the money for me, and it still isn't about money. The intrinsic reward I get is the feeling every time an order comes in. To this day, with every single email notification, I get that an order has been placed, I am completely overcome with joy. It feels so incredible to know people appreciate what I've made so much that they are willing to pay me money for it. That feeling is so much more valuable to me. That feeling is what motivates me to continue the journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Knowing that everything up to this point has been a learning experience for me. When I started out, I knew nothing about graphic design or photography. In fact, looking back at my old products and the photos I used to sell them makes me cringe incredibly hard. In the seven years since I've taught myself graphic design and photography. Looking at the before and after is astonishing, and while I'm still learning, just knowing how far I've come in my skills feels like a big accomplishment.

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

Not having a lot of free time. I am always working. My mind is constantly going. Whether it's new product ideas or social media content, my mind is always on the business. Supplies need to be ordered; social media posts have to be planned, products need to get packaged. There is always something that needs to be done.

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

  1. Don't have any expectations going into it. Don't start a business to become rich. Do it because you enjoy it.
  2. Bootstrap as much as you can. I realize there are varying opinions on bootstrapping depending on who you ask, but being scrappy with my business has forced me to learn and grow my talents at my own pace. I worked full-time 9-5 while I built my business on my nights and weekends. By running lean using my own funds, I was forced to be creative with marketing. I was forced to learn new skills like photography and graphic design. And bootstrapping has allowed me to retain ownership of the business and its assets, and I retain all creative control.
  3. Don't get discouraged if the business doesn't immediately take off. I think it took me at least two months before I got my first order, and even after that they were pretty sparse for a good while.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.poshgoth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoshGoth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posh_goth/

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.