Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Evan Mendelsohn, Co-Founder of Tipsy Elves, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

My business is Tipsy Elves. We make outrageous apparel to make our customers' lives more fun and enjoyable and create lasting memories.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a lawyer in my trade, but I started learning about SEO and internet marketing around 2010. We launched Tipsy Elves in 2011, primarily focused on Christmas sweaters, and since expanding into collections and occasion-based apparel for all holidays and events throughout the year.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the team we've built. We have about 50 employees now, and everyone is exceptional in what they do, and we have a really great culture. It makes what we do extra enjoyable when you enjoy the team you work with and are proud of their capabilities.

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

There are lots of highs and lows, and you need to be able to ride the waves. Not everything goes your way, and you need to be able to roll with the punches and adapt when things aren't going as anticipated. It can be difficult to stay positive when you are facing lots of challenges, but I think we are fairly optimistic people and have navigated challenges as well as we can.

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

My top 3 tips are:

  1. Make sure you have a way to market your business - it can be easy to have a great product or idea but forget how you will be able to initially market it and how you will finance your initial marketing needs.
  2. Be prepared to work hard. It's not easy to start and grow a business, and you can never fully turn it off, especially in the early days when you don't have a team to support you while you are on vacation. The hard work is what makes it extra rewarding when it goes well, but you need to be ready to put in the time.
  3. Take calculated risks but don't quit your day job until you have seen your business gain momentum. With Tipsy Elves, Nick and I both quit our jobs once we felt the business had enough steam to support us financially. Don't just throw caution to the wind and quit your job without first ensuring your business is sustainable and can support you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tipsyelves.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanmendelsohn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-mendelsohn-b3b3982a/

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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