Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn DuVal, founder, and owner of Shall We Stamp, located in The Villages, FL, USA.

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

My business is paper crafting and using materials to create handmade greeting cards, gifts, and home decor items. My ideal customer is women whose ages range from 35-65+ and who are looking for a community of like-minded people.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the very stressful mortgage world, and a coworker used to give the loan officers handmade cards and gift items. At the time, I didn't know they were handmade until I asked where she purchased them. She informed me she used products from a company, Stampin' Up!, to create the items. Well, needless to say, I was quite interested, and I must say I am not a crafty person. I did some research and found a woman local to me who taught classes at her home. I made an appointment to meet with her, and she invited me to attend one of her classes. As I sat at the table surrounded by five other women, not knowing what to do. They were kind and helped me learn this craft. At the end of the evening, I was excited and thrilled that I had actually created four greeting cards. As I arrived home, I couldn't contain my excitement and ran into the house to show my husband my cards. I was like a kid in a candy store! I was so thrilled with what I accomplished that I started attending monthly classes. After about eight months, I decided to join.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having the ability to share my love of crafting with people all over and allowing them to see how easy it is to put stamps, ink, and paper together. The most important part is sharing this craft and the cards with others and seeing their responses from a simple gesture of sending a card!

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

Finding new customers, keeping existing customers engaged, and filling their needs.

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

Do your research on your product/service. Then determine who your ideal customer is and find their pain points. You need to show how your product/service can address those pain points. And most importantly, remember it's not about you or how much money you make-it's about serving your customer to meet their needs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be consistent with your daily schedule social media postings, and most importantly, keep your customers informed. And always ask for referrals!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shallwestamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shallwestamp1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shallwestamp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnduval
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-duval-30522a46/

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.