Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gail Harkness, owner of Ripple Boutique, located in Gig Harbor, WA, USA.

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

Ripple Boutique is a unique online gift store located in Gig Harbor, Washington. It began in 2020. However, Ripple's mission evolved to help women entrepreneurs pursue their goals and passions in 2021. I serve anyone that is looking for a unique gift or custom gift boxes and baskets.

Tell us about yourself

I retired to spend more time with my aging parents, who, at that time, were living in Missouri. When COVID hit, it became less safe for them to have me travel back and forth to visit, and I found time on my hands. I decided to challenge myself and start a business of my own. I knew, however, that it needed to be something that could also make a small difference in the world. As a single Mom and an executive within a large corporation for many years, finding the balance between my career and my daughter was extremely difficult. So many women are juggling the responsibilities of raising children and running a household or taking care of aging parents. I wanted Ripple's mission to support these women trying to find balance in their lives while pursuing their dreams as entrepreneurs. I love not only knowing that Ripple has a great mission but also knowing that each custom gift will bring a smile to someone's day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My background was in brick-and-mortar retail, so I understood the business. Going to an online platform and learning social media and marketing, however, was a whole new journey for me, but I have loved every new learning experience and challenge!

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

The ebbs and flows of the business. As the only employee, filling each order, managing a website, and creating all social media content can be a challenge!

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

  1. Stick with it. It may cross your mind many times that your business idea isn't going to work. Keep with it, and slowly you will begin to see progress.
  2. Don't be afraid to step out of your box and learn something new.
  3. Be professionally assertive. You may hear "no" a few times, but you will never hear "yes" if you don't ask!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ripple-boutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supportingwomenowned
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ripple.Boutique/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3WKiLZs

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.

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