Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angela Sheehan, founder of Punaballoo, located in Venice, FL, USA.

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

Punaballoo is a food-pun-themed clothing and accessory brand. Of course, I create punny designs for my fellow foodies, herbivores, and pun lovers.

Tell us about yourself

I started Punaballoo or stumbled into it during Covid lockdown. I am a lifelong artist and decided to paint a cute picture of my succulent Walter while I was trapped in the house. When I finished my painting, I asked my husband what he thought. He said put Succ It on there. So, I did. I posted it on Facebook, and my friends and family encouraged me to start selling my designs.

I love coming up with cute, funny new characters and sharing them with people that love them too. It's so satisfying when someone identifies with your art and feels incredible when they are willing to pay their hard-earned money for it. I have also found that I enjoy the business side. It's an adventure figuring everything out and so rewarding when you get to see it pay off. I am constantly learning something new.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was able to turn a small profit my first full year in business which was pretty exciting. I think my biggest accomplishment, though, is being able to stick with it even when it feels like things are moving really slow or I am having a bad day.

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

I think there's a common misconception about successful business owners that they're overnight sensations. In reality, their success has been built over time with a lot of grit, determination, and passion. When you first start out, and things are quiet, it can feel like you're screaming into a void. It can really mess with your head and make you wonder if you're wasting your time. I think getting through those early days or weeks without order is tough, but that's what will make you look like an overnight success down the road. It's a huge investment.

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

  1. Number one, don't paralyze yourself in pursuit of perfection. Jump in and get started. You will figure things out as you go along, and you will find what you thought was important before may not be relevant.
  2. Don't be afraid to fail. Every failure is a lesson guiding you to where you're meant to be. Any successful person you see has allowed themselves to fail over and over again. Embrace it.
  3. Keep up with your books and inventory. It can get out of control quickly. If you don't know where your money is going or what's selling, it's going to be difficult to grow past an expensive hobby.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Before you get started, define your niche and target audience. If you don't know what you're selling, it's going to be hard to brand, and if you don't know who your customer is, it's going to be difficult to find them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.punaballoo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Punaballoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punaballoo/

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.