Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Krauter, owner, and designer of Splash Fabric, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Splash Fabric is a small but mighty woman-owned business in Seattle. We design printed fabrics with an eco-friendly waterproof coating. We sell yardage and the sweetest laminated cotton tablecloths, aprons & bags that people who love less laundry and happy prints swoon over.

Tell us about yourself

I started Splash Fabric at age 54 with the desire to design a "Magic Fabric" that I needed (but couldn't find) to stand up to life's spills & thrills. Now, seven years in, I never plan to retire. I love my customers too much!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

During the "Mask Mission," we mobilized 25 mostly immigrant women to home sewers to make 170,000 masks. We donated 75,000 and sold the rest, pumping $450,000 into the local economy. We pivoted early to masks and have pivoted back to our laminates now with renewed interest. Keeping it fresh … always.

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

While I love leaping off the deep end, it is also the hardest thing. When I first started designing my own fabric and bought 3,000 yards, it was very scary. Now we do it regularly. Can't wait for my next print to arrive! You have to take the leap & the net will appear because you will work your tail off creating it.

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

  1. Done is better than perfect.
  2. Trust your gut.
  3. You are never too old - go for it!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am a former Park Ranger and mom to 3 boys. We are family-run and family-friendly. We know life is messy. We can help. We regularly donate to the National Parks Foundation. We all Vote Boys & Girls Clubs to support children, families, and access to the outdoors.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://splashfabric.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SplashFabric
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/splashfabric/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-krauter-7bb68065/

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.