Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handcrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Viola Leder, Founder of Viola Leder Ceramics, located in San Antonio, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I produce handmade small batches of ceramics, all handmade by me. More than a business, I am an artist with a business license.
Tell us about yourself
I originally started with ceramic in high school back in 2009. After that, I got a big break from it, and I traveled to America for the first time; then, in 2019, I started college, and I casually took a class in ceramics; that's where my love for it came back. Since then I didn't think about anything else!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a business owner itself! As a mom full-time, being able to even be a business owner is an accomplishment. I honestly am still working uphill to reach my goals.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I'm a military spouse, so that in itself is a super big obstacle to doing anything as a business. I have to think about relocating every 2 or 3 years, so having a stable life where I can focus on my job sometimes feels impossible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have everything in place for you to start your endeavor with fewer hiccups possible.
- Start small. Give it a test run on a small scale; if you still think it's a good idea, then go big!
- Every business is cyclical. You have to find what's the rainy season and what's the sunny season. Once you give it your test run, you won't have surprises!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I may be a Debbie Downer, but for me being a business owner, it's HARD. It's easy to be influenced by social media, where everyone who owns a business is a cool hipster that just found a pot of gold. It's not. For the first years, it probably gonna suck more than what it's gonna be good. But perseverance it's the key!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://violaleder.com/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/violalederceramics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Violalederceramics/
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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