Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Reed, owner, and CEO of AR Workshop Ankeny, located in Ankeny, IA, USA.

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

We are a boutique DIY studio with hands-on classes that teach you how to make your own home decor. Think plank wood signs, framed wood signs, porch signs, pedestal trays, lazy susans, chunky knit blankets, and even some specialty classes. We also offer a retail experience with cute gift-able items and home decor accents to go along with the projects we offer.

For us, it's about the experience. We understand that plenty of big box stores offers signs and home decor. We teach you how to make a sign that is unique to your style. You choose your colors and non-toxic stain (no smell, yay!) in the workshop to make it your own. Even better, you get to share the experience with your friends and family. No need to be intimidated by the process because we guide you through each step of the process, and you leave with your finished masterpiece when class is complete!

Tell us about yourself

Prior to owning AR Workshop Ankeny, I used to be a social worker. While this was quite the step in the opposite direction, it has been a great experience. My husband, Jeff, and I love the DIY process, and I always had him busy with different projects around the house. We heard about the opportunity to open a workshop in our town and jumped at the opportunity. At the time, our first daughter was only nine months old, and a few years later, we would also have another daughter. My daughters would be my biggest motivation to keep going, and honestly, I really enjoy what I do! No two days are the same, and it's been fun to see where we came from when we opened over four years ago.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Pivoting that we were forced to close our doors for a few months when the pandemic happened. I can't take credit for the idea- that's where our corporate office and other sister stores come into play! Since we couldn't have our in-person workshops, we created DIY to-go, an at-home option to create. Our community was so generous with their support to us, and we are so grateful. Now that we are open for in-person classes again, we offer our regular workshops but also DIY to-go.

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

Being a business owner with small children, I find it hard to sometimes be present for them and the workshop. Our classes are nights and weekends, and that is the time I have with my girls as I work full time during the week (and some nights and weekends as I'm needed). The "balance" is hard, but I've worked hard to get the right people in place to keep the workshop running smoothly while I'm not there.

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

  1. Do your research. Is this offered nearby, and what location do I want to be in? Do you want to start from scratch or have a proven business model in your corner?
  2. Interview banks if you need financing. Don't just go with the first one that offers you a loan. We've found that having a relationship with your bank definitely makes a difference.
  3. Growing involves pains and celebrations. You'll fail at some things, but the most important thing is to learn from those failures and move forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

AR Workshop is located across the United States, with over 100 locations nationwide. You can visit the website https://www.arworkshop.com/ to find a location near you to get your DIY on!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.arworkshop.com/ANKENY/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arworkshopankeny/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arworkshopankeny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-reed-93370b150/

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.