Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Duerson, owner of SUMMER+BASH, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SUMMER+BASH is a custom apparel shop featuring tie-dye, hand lettering, embroidery, and more. Our customers are mostly parents and gift givers, but we have every type of customer imaginable.
Tell us about yourself
I started this business after leaving the corporate graphic design world. I had a one-year-old and wanted something with a lot more flexibility than my corporate job allowed. I started SUMMER+BASH as a simple tie-dye shop three years ago and expanded from there. My kids are my motivators! They’re the reason I continue to expand the business with new designs and products each and every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been being able to fully support my family through this shop that I originally started with no real expectations!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Customer service has been my biggest struggle! I do my best to make sure every customer is happy, but some people are just mean😭.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small! Start with just a few products to figure out what sells and slowly expand on those.
- Research and learn before starting. Don’t just jump into it without the proper preparations to make sure you have a smooth start.
- Anyone can do it! I literally started this business by watching a few tie-dye tutorials on YouTube.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/summerandbash/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Summerandbash/
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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