Personalized Wooden Watches - The Dusty Saw
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mika Allen, Co-Founder of The Dusty Saw, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Dusty Saw specializes in providing unique personalized gifts and accessories.
Our main focus is wooden watches, but we also have leather wallets that can be engraved and sunglasses bowties. Our watches are perfect for those who want to add personalized messages engraved on the back, making them heartfelt and the perfect keepsakes. Our customers are watch lovers and gift-givers. People seek us to provide meaningful gifts that will stand the test of time.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been a watch lover, the more unique, the better. When I came across wooden watches, I was instantly captivated. I thought this was great; I could create a business around this and cater to those who dare to be different. Wooden watches were a new and novel thing; it made sense to me, seeing that I am from 'The land of wood and water. My partner saw my vision, and we joined forces, branching out with other wooden accessories; the rest, as they say, is history.
Each day brings new challenges, but I must say I am determined to see this grow. My main focus is to provide quality products and services. We work to that end daily by using our customers' feedback to improve our service and our products. I must say that receiving rave reviews pushes me; it means we are doing something right. Sometimes, it brings so much joy and moves one to tears when you see how well received your product has been, just how happy it has made someone; that really gets to me. Each day is a new day to make someone happy, and I love it!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing yearly growth and achieving six figures in sales has been a huge accomplishment thus far.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing one's time effectively. If you are not careful, every moment is a working moment. It takes time to figure out how to set your hours for work and strike a good balance. If not, you find that your days are all about your business and nothing else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know the who, what, and when. Do not try to do it all by yourself. Know your strengths and what tasks you can handle, and outsource the rest. If you try to do it all, you may fail miserably, so concentrate on what you are good at and let others do the rest. Two areas I will say you should try to teach yourself are a basic marketing and knowing your numbers. You must track your sales and know if you are making a loss or profit.
- Have a clear plan and write it down; know what it is you would like to achieve. Having clearly defined steps is the blueprint to reaching your goal. There is a world of information out there. It may take some time to sift through, but if you focus on what you need, you will be fine.
- Know when to make changes, take chances, and change course. You do not have to reinvent the wheel; just source the right information that applies to whatever business you wish to undertake. Test the market and ensure what you want to do is viable.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Having your own business can be quite fulfilling, especially if you like what you do. If you have an idea brewing, don't let it go; take action. You would be surprised at what you can achieve.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thedustysaw.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedustysaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedustysaw/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dusty_saw
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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