Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Campbell, Founder of The Mage's Emporium, located in Elgin, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We buy and sell used manga and other anime and video game collectibles. Our customers are otaku from around the world! Like us, they love anime, and manga, play video games, and go to anime and comic conventions. We know our market because we are our market! :D
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved video games. Since I got my first console when I was little, I have enjoyed playing games and making art based on those games. In kindergarten, I used to get up before sunrise and watch Sailor Moon before school. I was hooked! Then I loved watching One Piece during Saturday morning cartoons (I'm dating myself there, hahaha).
I've always enjoyed anime and, during college, was introduced to manga. I love going to anime conventions, selling at anime conventions, and doing cosplay. I love the people at conventions. The community has some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. My customers are always amazing, and I love making them happy by finding them the perfect manga and selling my products at prices everyone can afford. It makes me happy!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is simply doing what I love daily. I love sorting manga, talking to customers, watching anime (gotta do that market research), listening to video game playlists, and everything about it! I love waking up excited to do what I love.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part about my business for me is marketing. I love building, growing, shipping, talking to customers, and buying new manga. Still, my social media presence could use some work. I've gotten better, though, and the feedback I get from the community is excellent!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I've tried starting a few businesses, but I've learned that it will only succeed if you're passionate about it.
- Don't start a business to make money.
- Start a business because it's work you would do every day, even if you never made a penny.
- Do it because it's fun. Do it because you love it. Because that passion is what will drive you to do great things.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://themagesemporium.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMagesEmporium/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagesemporium/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/magesemporium
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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