Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Landa, owner of The Fossil Cartel, located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

At The Fossil Cartel, we offer world-class crystals, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and meteorites from our brick-and-mortar stores in Portland, Oregon, and online. We love to share our passion for the amazing treasures that come from the earth. The range of merchandise is enormous, starting at a price point of $1 and going up to $10,000.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been motivated to have my own business, knowing that I never wanted to work for corporate America. In my early 20s, I made and sold beaded jewelry for a living incorporating stones into my beadwork. After 4 1/2 years of doing that, I felt too isolated, got tired of sitting for hours and hours, and wasn't making enough money. I fell more in love with stones and decided to try retailing them when I met my first husband, who was a mineral wholesaler.

I love sharing the beauty and phenomena of the mineral and fossil kingdom with people who come into my store. I also love meeting and interacting with people.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I have survived 32 years in business and am more successful now than ever! I have weathered the ups and downs of all of the recessions, the pandemic, and other challenges life has thrown at me.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is managing employees. Everyone has got their own quirks, their own strengths, and weaknesses. I have learned the best thing to do is to focus on their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

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

  1. Do something you love and are passionate about.
  2. Be flexible: arrange your company so that you can shrink it or expand it as need be.
  3. Get good at hiring and managing people.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Remember that you run the company. The company shouldn't run you. Take time off and create a healthy life balance.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://fossilcartel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFossilCartel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefossilcartel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fossilcartel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlanda/

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.