Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sumi Menon, Owner of TheMochiCloud, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

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

TheMochiCloud is a stationery shop featuring hand-drawn journaling stickers and other cute accessories I created. My customers love journaling and stationery and are anyone looking to heal their inner child!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Sumi, and I'm the illustrator and creator behind TheMochiCloud. Journaling had always been my safe space growing up and well into my adult life. And quite recently, I discovered my love for making cute illustrations. TheMochiCloud started as a place to share my doodles, but it quickly became the foundation of my stationery business.

It definitely has been challenging as a self-taught artist in the entrepreneurial world, but it has taught me so much! My motivation has definitely been the support of the small community I have fostered and the joy of creating something, knowing that it may brighten up someone’s day!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to launch my own online store has definitely been one of my biggest achievements in my business. Like many artists, I started selling on a handmade marketplace, and while it has been great to get my business out there, having my own online store has allowed me to hone my brand a lot better. I also find it extremely rewarding when I get repeat customers!

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

I’d say the hardest thing is staying consistent. There will be days when you will feel like nothing is working. On such days it’s always good to take a minute and remember why you started in the first place.

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

  1. Center your business around something you are genuinely passionate about.
  2. It is okay to be overwhelmed with ideas and not have the time or energy to execute them. On such days, I write them all down in my journal so that I can pick them up on a day when I am feeling my best.
  3. Have a good game plan for your finances - both business and personal.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One thing I have learned is that there may be things that are completely out of your control. Be willing to ask for and accept help when needed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.themochicloud.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themochicloud
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themochicloud/

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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