Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Courtney Abbiati, owner of The Urban + The Mystic, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Urban + The Mystic is gifting 2.0. We've solved the age-old problem of how to give something that is truly beautiful and will touch the heart of anyone who receives it. Our customers range from a gal looking to buy her best friend something that truly speaks to how much her BFF means to our corporate clients at The Ritz-Carlton and private label clients like Lana Del Rey. Basically, if you're looking for a gift that will knock someone's socks off, give them all the feels, and possibly cry, but for all the right reasons, we're your people.
Tell us about yourself
I knew there was a void in the market we live in a world where there are infinite options, but even still, it wasn't a place for you to shop that offered something beautiful and varying price points that could be personalized, intentional, lasting, and provides an experience. U+M does all of the above. We make it so easy to gift from the heart, to make someone feel loved, special, and seen. It's this energy that makes me get up every day and keep building The Urban + The Mystic because I believe the world really needs it. You see, things hold the value that we place upon them. When a gift is so tailored to you, every part of that gift forever becomes something priceless, and I feel so grateful that we get to help spread that love into the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That past holiday season, our Love Bowl was featured on Oprah's Favorite Thing's List. To say it was a dream come true is the understatement of the century. It was so magical, and being part of something so iconic really made me feel like we were doing our job.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Oh my goodness, where to start? Everything about being a business owner is tough because you are the first and last line of defense at the end of the day. Everything feels personal, and you are responsible for it all, the wins, losses, and everything in between. From broken packages to ocean freight delays to payroll, it's all stressful, but if you believe in what you're doing and have a great team, everything becomes a little more pallet-able.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be VERY clear on what you're doing. You don't have to go to business school, but you need to know up from down, left from right. i.e., "This is my company, and here's what we do."
- Spend every penny knowing you cannot spend it twice.
- Take calculated risks because good fortune favors the bold. And if I can just add one thing, do all of this and more knowing that you will put more time and effort into this project than you ever thought possible, it is hard work every single day.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Going off of what I was just saying, just know if you do what to start your own company, just be clear-eyed enough to know it is so much work and pressure it'll make your head spin. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you've got the drive, it's absolutely worth the ride.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theurbanandthemystic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theurbanandthemystic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-abbiati-b60b5218a/
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.
