Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handicrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Hynes McNeil, Owner of Teebags, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Teebags, we make reusable, washable food and dish covers. Our goal is to help our customers cut back on waste created by single-use products.
Tell us about yourself
I started sewing when I was 11 as a solution to not having access to (or funds to purchase) all the cool clothes I saw in magazines and catalogs. I would take apart old clothes and turn them into something I loved. I've also always been passionate about environmental issues, so years later when I started my business designing and creating bags and purses (which is where the name Teebags came from), it inevitably evolved into more eco-friendly-focused items. I truly love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a small, one-woman show handmade business was scary at first. It required me to work through so many highs and lows of self-esteem as to whether or not I could pull it off.
Though I'm not finished growing, by any means, I'm so proud of myself for sticking it out and staying true to who I am, what I'm good at, and what I believe in. It makes me happy to think that my children will grow up seeing their mother do what makes her happy and work towards goals that matter.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Motivation is a constant struggle when you work from home, and you're your own boss. Every single day is a conscious choice to get it done and not give up on the dream. It's a lot of hard work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche, know what you're really good at, and don't be afraid to excel.
- Use your passions to your advantage. When you care about something, it shines through.
- Set goals and deadlines for yourself (and meet them) to help keep you motivated.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.teebags.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEEBAGS2010
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teebags2010/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teebags2010
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-mcneil-0183a921/
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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