Andrew Schatz in Northampton, Pennsylvania.

Backstory and How It All Began

I spent about twenty years in the insurance world, half of that working on corporate analytical teams and the other half as an agent working directly with customers. I loved helping people, but too often I felt limited by company rules that prioritized profits over doing what was right for the customer.

A few years after my youngest daughter was born, I decided to make a big change. I wanted to build something real, something I could shape with my own hands and run on my own values.

So I closed the laptop, picked up a few tools, and started a woodworking business in my garage. What began as a creative outlet slowly grew into Atlas Wood Company.

I launched my Etsy shop in 2021, and since then, it’s become a small but thriving business built on a simple idea: make things that last, treat people well, and always do what’s right.

Current Income Streams

Right now, about 80% of my sales come through Etsy and the other 20% through my own Shopify website, atlaswoodcompany.com. Everything I do is online, with no craft fairs or in-person events yet.

Down the road, I’d love to expand into local work like built-ins or custom installations, but for now, I’m focused on serving customers across the U.S.

How I’ve Grown the Business

The biggest driver of growth has been simple: make quality products, treat people well, and never forget that customers are paying me for something of real value. I take that seriously. I stay in touch after their order arrives and always ask for reviews, which has helped build trust and repeat business.

It’s surprisingly easy to stand out by doing the basics right. I’ve had several repeat customers who came back just because they were impressed by the quality and the personal attention. I think people are craving that kind of genuine, human experience again.

Favorite Product

My favorite product to make is our canvas floating frame. It’s so much more personal than anything else I build. Every piece of art that goes into one of those frames represents someone’s time, talent, and emotion. Whether it’s a professional artist, a painter preparing for their first show, or a family framing something meaningful, there’s always a story behind it.

I love that my work gets to be part of that story. My goal is never to outshine the art but to support it quietly, to highlight it in a way that respects the effort behind it.

What makes our frames different isn’t just the materials or design, it’s the intention. Every frame is made from real solid wood. I choose each board myself, often knowing what artwork it will hold. That connection between the maker, the material, and the customer is what keeps this work meaningful for me.

If I Could Go Back

Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. This whole journey has been one long learning process, and even the mistakes were necessary to get to where I am now.

There were definitely things I didn’t know early on, but I couldn’t have known them without the experience. Every step, good or bad, has shaped how I run Atlas Wood Company today.

Financial and Non-Financial Goals

Last year, Atlas Wood Company brought in just over $106,000 in sales. My next goal is to reach $225,000 while maintaining the same level of quality and care that got me here.

Beyond the numbers, I’m excited about expanding into larger pieces of furniture. This year, I started adding end tables, nightstands, media consoles, and shelving to the lineup.

Next year I plan to move into custom bathroom vanities and other larger projects. It’s a new challenge that will be both creatively fulfilling and a natural step toward higher-end, heirloom-quality pieces.

Platforms and Tools

I sell through Etsy and my own Shopify website and stay connected with customers using Klavio email, Pinterest, and Instagram.

For design and marketing, I use Canva and ChatGPT for writing and planning.

I’ve started using Google Gemini and Perplexity for creative brainstorming and image generation. Since it’s first release I’ve been integrating AI where ever I can to leverage my time and capabilities.

On the operations side, I rely on Rollo for shipping and Vela for managing product listings. It’s a mix of hands-on craftsmanship and modern tools that keep things running smoothly for a one-person shop.

Favorite Quote, Podcasts, and Books

One quote that’s stuck with me is “Nobody cares, work harder.” It’s a reminder that the customer isn’t paying me for my mood or effort, they’re trusting me to deliver something that exceeds expectations, no matter what it takes.

Some of my favorite podcasts are Founders, The Koerner Office, Modern Wisdom, and The Game.

Books that have influenced how I work and lead include Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers, and Made in America by Sam Walton.

Shop Companion

My dog, Frankie, is a German Shepherd mix and my constant daily companion. As soon as I start working, she settles in for a nap, wakes up for a short walk at lunch, and then goes right back to her spot until my wife and kids come home from school. She keeps me company through the quiet parts of the day and reminds me to slow down once in a while.

Sean Morrissey from Wyoming, IL

What do you like most about Wyoming, IL?

The heritage and connection I have with the land I live on. I’m a 4th-generation farmer; my family has cultivated the earth for over 70 years.

It gives me a sense of pride and purpose to do my job every day.

What’s your backstory?

In 2015, I became a beekeeper.

My father, Phil, and I farm together, planting corn, soybeans, and wheat. We knew the benefits of introducing more honeybees to the farm, regarding improved pollination for crops and other plants and delicious, raw, unprocessed honey.

The idea of becoming a beekeeper wasn’t mine, but my father’s. The whole idea of wearing a hot beekeeper suit and the likelihood of getting stung from time to time didn’t appeal to my dad; thus, the job was handed down to the younger member of the farming operation, me.

I began taking beekeeping classes and talking with other beekeepers. I started with just one hive and the first year was a disaster. The queen’s eggs got into the top frames of the hive and the honey had to be discarded.

The next year honey was harvested, but the queen later died, and the hive collapsed. I learned a lot about the dos and don’ts of beekeeping throughout those two years.

When I inquired about the beeswax, many of my beekeeper friends said they threw it out. I did some research and found that beeswax had incredible benefits when used in cosmetics and skincare.

I didn’t know much about cosmetics, but I wanted to make a product with beeswax and use just a few natural ingredients. I had heard of beeswax lip balms, but the major brand had upwards of 16 ingredients listed on the label!

I wanted to see if I could make something even better with far fewer ingredients. I started out using a syringe filled with beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and natural flavor oils, and I squirted the mixture into small, round containers. These containers were handed out to friends and family and loved by all!

Still researching ingredients, I came across jojoba oil. I learned that jojoba oil was a natural antioxidant, high in Vitamin E, and a lot like human skin sebum. Even though I was skeptical because it sounded too good to be true, I decided to add it to my lip balm recipe.

Since jojoba oil is a liquid wax, I was pleasantly surprised by how the oil helped give the lip balm “staying power.” The lip balm was all-natural, moisturizing, soothing, and the combination of beeswax and jojoba oil helps to keep it on your lips longer, locking in moisture. That’s how I created the perfect lip balm: It’s The Balm Diggity!

Currently, what are your income streams?

The majority of the sales come through the website and Amazon. In addition, the lip balms are carried by a variety of local businesses, including boutiques, coffee shops, hair salons, gift shops, bridal boutiques, drugstores, and even a seasonal orchard.

How have you attracted new customers?

Social Media has helped grow the business the most. It’s a great way to connect with thousands of people that I wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.

I started putting posts and ads on Facebook. Later, using Instagram and now have over 4,000 followers. Videos on TikTok are getting thousands of “Likes”; that has helped get lip balm orders in TikTok Shop.

What is your favorite product?

Coffee lip balm is my current favorite! It’s aromatic, and as a coffee lover, I can’t get enough of it. It smells as if you walked into a coffee shop.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I wouldn’t change a thing! All the choices I’ve made in life, right or wrong, have made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am without making a few mistakes and growing from them.

What are your goals?

My financial goal is to earn enough to live without want and to feel successful through my work. My personal goal is to raise my kids to be better than me.

What platforms do you use?

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and our website: thebalmdiggity.net.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote, cooking recipe or book?

My favorite motivational quote:

If you don’t know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.

As far as cooking recipes, anything by Max Miller, and my favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo.

Pet dog named Raider, a Bichon Frise.

Where can we find you online?

Shop online at thebalmdiggity.net and Amazon. Follow us on Instagram @itsthebalmdiggity

Danielle Brooks in St. Augustine, Florida.

What do you like most about St. Augustine?

I love living in St. Augustine because it blends small-town charm with rich history and a true sense of community. From the magical Nights of Lights to the everyday connections with neighbors, this city feels both timeless and welcoming—a place that’s easy to call home.

What’s your backstory?

I’ve always loved drinking tea, especially with honey. One day I thought, how amazing would it be to have my own hive to harvest from? That thought sparked a deep curiosity, and I dove headfirst into researching bees and beekeeping. After checking out every book in the library on the subject, I decided to take the leap and start with a hive of my own.

Along the way, I found the perfect partner for this dream, a vintage truck that became the Honey Truck.

From markets to pop-ups all over St. Augustine, I began selling honey and sharing the story of the bees. What started with just one hive quickly grew into a full-scale business with a mission: to educate people about honey bees, native pollinators, and how we can all help conserve their habitats.

Today, I maintain multiple hives in St. Augustine and partner with other small-scale beekeepers across Florida. What began as a love of honey in my tea has turned into a passion for bees, community, and conservation.

What are your income streams?

My income streams include direct-to-consumer sales on my website, seasonal popups, farmers markets, and local retailer partnerships.

We have a brick and mortar store at 155 Dobbs Business Circle, Unit 201, St. Augustine, Fl 32086.

During the holidays, I focus on holiday markets, and tastings supporting local wholesale partners.

How have you grown the business?

Storytelling and community involvement have been key to our growth. Being featured in local media, offering tastings at markets, and showing up as a woman and mom in business have helped build genuine trust with our customers.

Partnering with retailers and sharing my journey on podcasts has opened new doors, while behind-the-scenes content continues to resonate with people who value authenticity.

Word of mouth has also been powerful. When someone recommends our honey, it’s the best kind of advertising we could ask for.

Lately, I’ve been traveling to nearby cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville to connect with new wholesale partners, and I’m already seeing direct growth from those efforts.

What’s your favorite product?

My favorite product is our Holiday Honey. It’s special because it comes out once a year and makes a beautiful hostess, teacher, or self-care gift. The blend is unique, and every jar is harvested and packed with care. I always hope it brings comfort and a little sweetness to someone’s season.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

No. I believe the choices I made, whether the best or not, helped shape my perspective and knowledge. I wouldn’t trade those experiences.

What are your goals?

I would love to eventually sell the business. My present sales are hovering around 200K. In 5 years, my goal is to exceed $500K.

What platforms do you use?

Shopify for website and POS

Klayvio for email subscribers

Quickbooks for bookkeeping

Faire for wholesale

Do you have a favorite motivational quote or recipe to share?

“If you wanna fill your bottle up with lightning, you’re gonna have to stand in the rain.”- Kasey Musgraves, Silver Lining.

Recipe:

Sheet pan Ginger Soy Salmon (made with our Datil Honey)

Pets?

We have 3 Russian Blue cats: Ava, Binx, and Wednesday.

Where can we find you online?

Website:

https://www.honeytruck.com

Instagram/Facebook: @honeytruckco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-brooks-honeytruck/

Nicoll Novak from Parker, Colorado, a beautiful town just south of Denver. Friends call her Nikki.

What do you like most about Parker, Colorado?

Parker has such a strong sense of community. Downtown is full of small businesses, local events, and families supporting each other. It feels like the perfect place to grow a business. And of course, Colorado is just beautiful.

What’s your backstory?

My background is actually in corporate training, so totally different from the jewelry world! About two years ago, I got started with permanent jewelry, which I fell in love with because of the personalized experience.

To me, custom-fit, custom-designed jewelry always felt like something reserved for the ultra-wealthy, and I wanted to make that kind of meaningful, high-quality experience accessible to the average person. It’s such a beautiful way to commemorate life’s most special moments.

My husband, Brandon, is a welder, and he was the one who first encouraged me to try it. He’s been involved every step of the way — from setting up my equipment, to teaching me about different types of metals, to even taking some classes with me and making some of the jewelry I sell.

Along the way, I also started creating handmade jewelry — stretch bracelets, ready-to-wear bracelets and necklaces, connectors, and bangles. Since my background wasn’t in jewelry, I took classes and joined groups to learn new techniques, and that hands-on work has become one of my favorite parts of the business.

There’s something so special about knowing someone is wearing a piece I made with them in mind, with high-quality materials chosen to last.

As Adornable grew, I saw another need: small businesses and other permanent jewelry artists often struggled to find trustworthy wholesalers who truly invested in their stockists’ success. That’s what led me to launch Kaunis, my wholesale line.

Kaunis is all about supporting other small businesses by giving them access to hypoallergenic earrings, high-quality beaded bracelets, and boutique ear piercing supplies and training — helping them grow while also serving their customers with products they truly want. Beyond the products, I pride myself on providing my stockists with selling tools, business tips, and genuine partnership.

What are your income streams?

My business has grown into a blend of direct-to-customer and wholesale:

• Handmade jewelry — stretch bracelets, ready-to-wear bracelets and necklaces (with chains, charms, and clasps), connectors, and bangles that I create myself.

• Studio appointments at Adornable, where I specialize in permanent jewelry and boutique ear piercing.

• Pop-ups and local markets, which gave me my start and still connect me to my community.

• Online sales through my website and Etsy, where customers can shop gift-ready bracelets, rings, and earrings.

• Wholesale distribution through Kaunis, my line of bracelets, hypoallergenic earrings, and ear piercing supplies and training that support other small businesses and permanent jewelry artists. I also mentor my stockists with selling tools and business tips so they can succeed with the products.

How have you attracted new customers?

The biggest impact has come from caring deeply about my customers and putting their experience at the forefront of every decision. I greet them with smiles, answer questions, and handle any issues with their jewelry — no questions asked.

That level of care has led to countless word-of-mouth referrals, repeat customers, and Google reviews. And I treat my wholesale stockists the same way: I cheer on their businesses, exchange DMs and emails regularly, and include handwritten notes in their orders.

What is your favorite product?

My favorite is my two-tone Morse code bracelet. Each one spells out a meaningful word like “Loved” or “Strong” in a subtle bead pattern, but the custom requests are my favorite part.

The words customers choose to secretly wear on their wrist are often fun, deeply sentimental, or sometimes even a little risqué — and it gives me a glimpse into their personalities. Being trusted to create something so personal feels like such a gift.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I don’t think I would change much, because every lesson has shaped where I am today — and I’m proud of that. But if I could, I’d give myself more confidence early on. In the beginning, I was nervous and lacked confidence, which sometimes led to people undervaluing my work. Looking back, those moments helped me grow stronger as a business owner.

What are your goals?

Since starting my business, I’ve generated over $100,000 in sales, and this year I’ve already passed the $50k milestone. My next near-term goal is to cross six figures in a rolling 12-month period, which I expect to reach within the next 3–6 months.

From there, my focus is on scaling:

• Expand wholesale through Kaunis so more boutiques and permanent jewelry artists have access to safe, high-quality jewelry and ear piercing supplies.

• Grow online sales for Adornable, so customers can shop meaningful, gift-ready jewelry from anywhere.

• Continue building lasting studio relationships, where many of my clients return to celebrate life’s milestones.

• Hire help — which is scary when customer service is so core to my business, but necessary to scale.

My focus is on balance: creating a business that supports my family, allows me to be present with my three kids, and uplifts other small business owners along the way.

What platform and tools do you use?

• GlossGenius for booking and payments in my studio

• Shopify for Kaunis wholesale

• Etsy for handmade/gift-ready jewelry

• Squarespace for Adornable’s website, ready-to-wear jewelry, and email newsletters

• Canva for marketing graphics

Do you have a favorite book?

I am the ultimate bookworm, so I’ll leave you with two of my favorites — one for professional growth and one just for fun. Marie Forleo’s Everything is Figureoutable inspired me and really shaped the growth mindset that guides me in both work and life.

For fun, I always recommend Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary. A dear friend suggested it, and even though I’m not usually a sci-fi reader, by the end I was crying. A 10/10 read.

Pets

I have three dogs! Tully — our goldendoodle, Nana — a Bernedoodle/Colorado Mountain Dog mix, and Gizmo — our little Maltipoo.

Where can we find you online?

• www.AdornablePj.com (permanent jewelry/ear piercing)

• www.ShopAdornable.com (ready-to-wear jewelry)

• www.ShopKaunis.com (wholesale)

• Instagram.com/AdornablePJ

• Instagram.com/KaunisJewelry

What do you like most about where you live?

I love that in Florida, I can go from work to walking on the beach and back to work in minutes- all year long. One minute I’m hammering metal, the next I’m taking my rescue dog, Bailey, for a walk under the palm trees.

What’s your backstory?

In 2017, I was sitting on the floor in the corner of my bedroom, hammering metal between loads of laundry, just trying to pay for my daughter’s softball fees. No fancy studio—just a tiny patch of carpet, a few tools, and a lot of determination.

What started as a way to cover sports expenses, as my job in child welfare didn’t stretch that far, turned into creating rustic, personalized anniversary and birthday jewelry in sterling silver, brass, bronze, copper, and aluminum.

Each piece is made-to-order, often with mountain scenes, tally marks, or secret inscriptions tucked inside.

What are your income streams?

I sell exclusively online through Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and my own Shopify store.

How have you attracted new customers?

Two things:

• Focusing on personalized, meaningful gifts that customers can’t just grab off a store shelf.

• Using SEO and well-crafted product listings to make sure the right buyers find me.

The biggest impact came when I fully leaned into the anniversary niche—speaking directly to husbands and wives looking for something thoughtful and unique.

What is your favorite product?

My tally mark anniversary cuffs. They’re such a simple design, but every set of marks tells a story—years of love, hard work, and shared life.

I get messages from customers about how the gift made their spouse cry (in a good way), and that never gets old.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would have invested in better photography and learned SEO from experts instead of YouTube university much sooner, instead of trying to figure it all out the hard way.

What are your goals?

• Goal: $100,000+ annually within the next 3 years.

• Steps: Expand the anniversary niche into other gift categories, add more personalized designs, and keep improving SEO.

Keep the business small and personal, maintain flexibility to enjoy life, and have more time to work on creative projects (like adding T-shirts and other printed anniversary gifts).

What platforms do you use?

Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Shopify, Canva for design work, and various SEO tools for keyword research.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

—Theodore Roosevelt

Bailey, my rescue dog from Nate’s Honor Rescue. She’s a sweetheart with some anxiety quirks, but she’s the best workshop companion.

Where can we find you online?

Website: www.gardensgatejewelry.com

Etsy: Gardens Gate Jewelry on Etsy

Allyson Mackay Dombey from New Orleans, Louisiana

What do you like most about New Orleans?

New Orleans feels like its own island — unique in its culture, climate, and rhythm. We're subtropical, with greenery everywhere, hot and humid air, and a year-round sense of celebration. 

We have Mardi Gras, music drifting from street corners, incredible food, and moments where you truly don't know what year you're in. 

Our studio is in a great location that keeps us connected to both the city's energy and its creative community.

What's your backstory?

It began in 2014 when my husband, Ben Dombey, set out to make the best whiskey glass — and I believe he succeeded. 

The company quickly gained a following, and between 2014 and 2019, the business grew steadily as customers fell in love with the glass.. 

Over time, people who weren't whiskey drinkers began asking for other types of glasses, and those requests sparked a new wave of designs.

The roots of our personalization go back even further. In 2009, after the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl, Ben used a small fleur-de-lis wax seal stamp — the kind made for sealing envelopes — to press the design into pendants. 

They were a hit, selling thousands, and that early success eventually inspired him to experiment with stamping designs into glassware. 

By the time I joined the business full-time in 2021, hand-stamped glasses were already well-established as our top sellers.

My own background with wax seal stamping made it easy to step into the role of designing new stamps — and occasionally stamping glasses myself — to keep the line fresh and personal

We've introduced new shapes, sizes, and styles inspired by — and often named after — the people who requested them.

Many of our pieces are purchased as gifts — from corporate clients commissioning custom designs to individuals giving glassblowing experiences to loved ones. 

We recently launched our retail-ready Custom Impressions line — machine-blown glass that we hand-stamp with our custom designs. 

At $40, it offers an accessible entry point for personalized glassware, making it easy for someone to order a set of 10 with a family name or company logo, while our signature hand-blown pieces remain available for those seeking heirloom-quality works of art at $150+.

What’s your income streams?

• Online store

• In-person retail at our New Orleans studio (we do not keep store hours)

• Wholesale partnerships with specialty shops and museums, including the Corning Museum of Glass Museum Store, Van Dam Custom Boats, Double Shot Coffee Co. (Tulsa, OK), and El Guapo

• Hands-on glassblowing experiences

• Custom corporate gifts

How have you grown the business? 

We've grown based on customer feedback. One request for stackable glasses became a popular product line. Our partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass opened doors to other wholesale relationships, and launching Custom Impressions has helped us reach customers who want our designs at a more accessible price point.

Ben started with one whiskey glass design, and over time we've built strong relationships by leaning into storytelling and authentic customer connections.

We have had customers buying glasses from us for themselves and loved ones for over 10 years. Our glasses are the go-to wedding gift for many of our customers and we are thrilled to be part of celebrating life's special moments. 

What’s your favorite product? 

My favorite is the Rocks Glass — I love how much it holds and how sturdy it feels in my hands. It's timeless, versatile, and carries the essence of what makes our work special. 

If you could go back, would you do anything differently? 

I would start talking about our company earlier — making t-shirts, putting our name on everything, and becoming my own best spokesperson from day one. I've grown into that role and feel comfortable in it now, but I could have embraced it sooner.

What’s your goals? 

As CEO and Creative Director, my focus has been on expanding our offerings and refining our processes. I design all of our custom stamps, from our glasses to specialty commissions, translating ideas into visual concepts.

We want to be recognized leaders in process innovation and custom glassware. We're exploring microwave kilns, integrating both flame working and soft glass in our studio, and becoming the go-to studio for bringing customers' ideas — even AI-generated mockups — to life. 

We'd also love to install air conditioning in our studio (the solar panels we got to offset the utilities are great but they just made it hotter!).

We're working toward getting back to our 2021 high of $211K in annual revenue. Last year, we generated $125,000, and we're currently at $ 81,000 in accrued revenue for this year, representing a 5.6% increase from the same point last year. 

We had to raise prices, which resulted in the loss of some customers. However, we remain optimistic that our new Custom Impressions line will enable us to offer something for everyone at various price points.

At the same time, we work to pay off business debt and provide fair compensation to ourselves.

What tools do you use?

• Squarespace for e-commerce

• Instagram & Meta Business for social media

• Monday.com for order management

• Clarify AI for CRM and sales

• Xero for finance (They also bought glasses from us, thank you Xero)

• UPS for shipping

• Zapier for automations

• Google Workspace for communication and file storage

• Paper-based systems like Kanban boards and sticky notes to keep our hands-on workflow organized

Do you have a favorite motivational quote? 

My favorite quote: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly." 

Ben's favorite quote: "How you do anything is how you do everything." 

Podcast: "Brain Food" from Shane Parrish's Farnam Street. 

I love my tarot and oracle cards. I have six decks for different things in life. 

My favorite app is Insight Timer, which helps me meditate and stay present. 

Pets?

Yes — two dogs. Pickles, a 9-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Gypsy, an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd. They're best friends, and Gypsy loves to herd Pickles around the house.

Where can we find you online? 

Website: https://www.glassblowerben.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassblowerben & https://www.instagram.com/studioglassblowerben 

Ben's sculpture and artwork: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glassblowerben/albums/

Denise Jane from New York

What do you like most about New York?

What I love most about being based in New York City is the constant energy, creativity, and diversity of flavors around every corner. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition — you can discover global cuisines on one block and farmers market produce on the next. 

What’s your backstory? 

I worked as a financial and crypto attorney, navigating high-pressure deals and regulatory challenges. Everything shifted when my stepdad became sick, and my mom gave me a bag of pistachios during that time. I started researching their benefits and learned they’re one of the most nutrient-dense nuts — rich in heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and antioxidants. 

After long days at the office, I would come home and make pistachio butters by hand, often until two or three in the morning. It was a way to channel my energy into something nourishing and creative during a difficult period. 

What are your income streams? 

Online and retail

How have you attracted new customers?

We’ve grown through a mix of sampling, retail partnerships, and storytelling. Our launch into Whole Foods Market Northeast opened the door to a much wider audience. 

The greatest impact has come from in-person demos and events. 

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would have sought fundraising earlier in the journey. In the beginning, I didn’t fully understand the complexities of the CPG world — from distribution and retail relationships to marketing and inventory management — and I tried to carry too much of it myself. 

I also would have brought on more fractional experts earlier on, whether in sales, operations, or branding. Having the right people in the right roles sooner would have accelerated our growth and allowed me to focus more on steering the brand strategically.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs

Pet dog, Louis

Where can we find you online?

www.seedandshell.com

Christy Clement from Vashon Island, WA

What do you like most about Vashon Island?

Oh, so many things to love about Vashon Island! You have to take a ferry to get here (no bridges!), which forces you to slow down before you even arrive. It’s a small, rural community with a big heart—neighbors actually know each other, and other small business owners are incredibly supportive. Plus, we’re just a 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle, so we can pop into the city without losing our island vibe.

What’s your backstory?

I was a brand-new coffee drinker during COVID—by “coffee” I mean a tiny splash of coffee with a whole lot of cream and sugar. I loved the morning ritual but hated the junk I was adding just to make it drinkable. 

Then my friend Kim suggested adding spices, and boom—I could cut way back on the cream and sugar. I started experimenting with blends and realized no one else seemed to be doing this. As I weaned myself off cream and sugar with my own “Coffee Dust,” I knew I had something worth sharing.

What are your income streams?

Online, wholesale, Etsy, Amazon, and craft fairs.

How have you attracted new customers?

It’s been a lot of little things. I focus on earned media rather than paid ads, so getting featured in Real Simple and Tim Ferriss’s newsletter was huge. In-person markets also bring repeat customers. 

My favorite hack: I run a giveaway at every market. People enter by scanning a QR code that links to an Omnisend form—way better than the old “write your email on this scrap of paper” system that had me deciphering handwriting for hours afterward. Our 1–2x/month newsletter is a big driver of repeat sales.

What is your favorite product?

Our Flavor Expedition Kit—12 servings of each of our six flavors, plus the cutest spoon you’ve ever seen. It’s perfect for sampling or gifting, and it makes people smile.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I resisted custom packaging forever because I assumed it would be way too expensive. Turns out, if you order in bulk, it’s actually cheaper—and it looks a thousand times better. I wish I’d made that switch sooner and saved myself all the printing and stickering marathons.

What are your goals?

Last year we did about $140k in sales. This year, we’re on track for about $300k, which I’m insanely proud of. My big goal: hit $1 million in the next few years.

Only about 2% of women-owned businesses ever reach that milestone, and I want to be one of them.

The plan is to lean hard into wholesale and partner with fantastic retail shops.

I want to launch a solid profit-sharing model this year and make sure Coffee Dust stays fun—no corporate vibe, no soul-sucking stress.

What tools do you use?

Shopify for e-comm and POS, UpPromote and ShareASale for affiliates, MaterialsInventory for tracking raw materials, Gusto for payroll, Omnisend for newsletters, Canva and Adobe Illustrator for designing social posts and packaging, Ninety.io for running my Entrepreneurial Operating System (if you haven't read Traction, their EOS framework helps me stay on track!)

Do you have a favorite motivational quote or podcast?

Favorite quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.”Favorite recipe: whipped cream with Cocoa Calm Coffee Dust and fresh strawberries.Favorite podcasts: Postcards from Jubilee Station, How I Built This, The Tim Ferriss Show.

Do you have pets?

No pets of my own, but Captain the dog—our “dog-niece”—is the namesake for our original Captain’s Coffee Dust.

Where can we find you online?

vashoncoffeedust.com  

@vashoncoffeedust on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah and Jake from Lawrence Park, PA.

We live in a small town, Lawrence Park, just outside of Erie, Pennsylvania.  Sarah grew up here and Jake is now a teacher here. We love being a part of a small community.

What do you like most about Lawrence Park?

Sarah's brother and her parents live a few blocks away.  Sarah works from home for her day job and Jake walks 4 blocks to work to teach high schoolers.

We love having everything close by.  We are also just a mile or so from beautiful Lake Erie!  We love where we live.

What’s your backstory?

Sarah was always a creative entrepreneur.  Since she was little, she was creating things.  In 2015, she opened a coffee shop in town (on the same street we now live on).  In 2020, we decided to purchase our first laser to start creating new things.  

What started with earrings has turned into earrings, personalized gifts and more.  In 2023 we upgraded our laser to be able to do tumblers and bigger items.  In 2024, Sarah closed the coffee shop to pursue other ventures and we purchased a portable laser to do personalization at on-site events.  

In the last year or so we have branched out into apparel and DIY hat bars.  There's always something new with us - when someone asks what we make or sell, that's always a loaded question!

What are your income streams?

We sell online and attend craft/vendor fairs in the area through the spring, summer and into the holiday season.  We also host DIY Hat bars at local businesses and in peoples' homes.

How have you attracted new customers?

It's been slow and steady.  We already had a customer base from when we sold items out of our coffee shop.  We've slowly been working our way into local markets and events, and getting to know and network with others.  

Social media collaboration has been super helpful for us - pairing up with other small businesses for events or giveaways.  And ultimately, word of mouth.  We just got two requests today to engrave items for wedding gifts (for this weekend!).  Both of those came from word-of-mouth referrals.

What is your favorite product?

We've recently fired up the sewing machine and started making some fun, unique sweatshirts.  The one below is for our local high school.  We love being able to make one-of-a-kind items that people also love.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I (Jake) wish Sarah would have convinced me to buy the laser sooner.  I was hesitant to make the investment but looking back I should have started a lot sooner!

What are your goals?

We would love to turn this into a full-time job - at least for Sarah - and we are not there yet.  Everytime money comes in, we are putting money right back out to pay off bills, pay for new supplies, etc.  

We would also love to own a brick and mortar again someday, instead of hauling items in and out of our car every weekend - but haven't found the right space yet.

What platform do you use?

We sell on Etsy and Shopify.

Do you have pets?

Our dogs are our children! 

Quincy is a 6 year Shih Tzu-Poodle (on the left) and Winnie, a 3 year old Mini Bernedoodle.  We love them so much!

Where can we find you online? 

Our main website is www.theboutiquebysarah.com and we are active on 

Instagram (www.instagram.com/theboutiquebysarah) and 

Facebook (www.facebook.com/theboutiquebysarah)

Ivana from Serbia, living in the USA.

What’s your backstory?

Before becoming a mom, I was a semi-truck driver! After deciding to stay home with our kids, I wanted to find a way to contribute financially while still being present with my family. 

One year, I created a custom map as an anniversary gift for my husband — it showed the Department of Motor Vehicles where we first met while getting our Commercial Drivers License. 

That one meaningful gift turned into my business idea. 

What are your income streams?

All of my sales are online through my website. I hope to explore craft fairs and local markets in the future.

How have you attracted new customers?

Instagram and word of mouth have been huge. But the biggest impact has come from sharing the story behind each product. People really connect with meaningful gifts, and when they hear why something was made, it resonates with their own stories.

What is your favorite product?

My favorite is the “Where We Met” map — the first one I ever created. It’s simple, yet so personal. It captures that exact place and moment that changed my life. 

Every time I make one for a customer, I’m reminded of my own story, and that’s such a special feeling.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would have started sooner! I held back for a long time out of fear that I wasn’t “ready” or good enough. But I’ve learned that progress is better than perfection, and small steps still move you forward.

What are your goals? 

Right now, I’m in the early stages, so sales are modest. My goal is to reach consistent monthly revenue that helps support my family and allows me to reinvest in the business. 

I want to build a brand people associate with warmth, love, and meaning. I’d also love to collaborate with other small businesses.

What tools do you use?

I use Shopify for my website, Canva for designs and social media, Printify for fulfillment, and Instagram to share behind-the-scenes content. 

I also rely on Google Docs and spreadsheets to keep everything organized.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote or podcast?

A favorite quote of mine is: 

"Life is a journey, not a destination." — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

It reminds me to embrace every step of the process, especially during the slow and growing phases of running a small business.

I also enjoy listening to The Product Boss podcast — it’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories for product-based business owners like me. 

And when I need to unwind, I love diving into anything written by Nicholas Sparks — his stories are always heartfelt and beautifully written.

If you have a pet?

No pets — just two toddlers who are more than enough to keep me on my toes!

Where can we find you online? 

https://rymemories.com

Stuart Stanley in Brighton, England.

I am originally from Essex, but I now live in Brighton on the South coast of England.

What do you like most about Brighton?

What is amazing about Brighton is all the independent businesses. Most towns & cities in the UK are full of large chain stores, but in Brighton we have two shopping areas called The Lanes & The North Laine. Both of which are packed with amazing independent stores.

Brighton is also famous for its Festival in May. This is where residents hold ‘Open House’ events turning their homes into art galleries. All across the city there are comedy, music & theatrical shows. Even this cosmopolitan city that is always lively finds another gear in May!

What’s your backstory?

Whilst working at other more traditional jewellery stores, I found bespoke jewellery at other shops was either very expensive due to all the ‘middlemen’ involved or not truly bespoke.

Many jewellers claim to make bespoke wedding rings when really behind the scenes it is just a supplier with limited options. I wanted to start a jewellery business that offered truly custom jewellery at an affordable price.

What are your income streams?

We are mainly brick & mortar.

We have an amazing website but it is mainly used to spark ideas for clients. After browsing, we create bespoke jewellery designs & quotes for individual customers. People love this & it makes a pleasant change from the usual click & buy e-commerce websites.

We take on lots of bespoke commissions remotely via email conversations. Other clients send a few emails & then like to visit the shop in person.

How have you attracted new customers?

One of the ways we increased our appeal was the introduction of our jewellery remodelling service. This is where we take precious metal & gemstones from inherited or broken jewellery & repurpose them into stunning new designs. This service has proved incredibly popular.

What is your favorite product?

I love one of our engagement ring designs called ‘Tierra’ – probably the world's most environmentally friendly engagement ring. You can find out more here: http://bit.ly/4lgq1IM

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would get a bookkeeper that knows what they are doing!

In the early days I seemed to do all the hard stuff well (stocking the right designs, employing great staff etc) but I relied on several ‘a friend of a friend’ people when it came to my accounts. This went horribly wrong & when I finally employed a decent bookkeeper & accountant it was a massive weight off my mind.

What are your goals?

I would like to just increase the amount of commissions by employing more workshop staff & by advertising our services further. This way we are sticking to what we do best rather than trying to diversify & compromise our existing services.

What tool do you use?

One of my favourite tools is an app called ‘Procreate’. It is like photoshop but far easier to use & my whole team uses it on our iPads. It enables us to create realistic, on the spot digital mock-ups of customer designs.

Do you have a favorite podcast?

I listen to the following podcasts:

Smartless

There’s no such thing as a fish

99% Invisible

The Louis Theroux podcast

Where can we find you online? 

https://www.ringjewellery.co.uk

Tenneil Register in Grandview, Iowa. 

What do you like most about Grandview?

When my husband and I met back in 2010 we planted roots here in Grandview, Iowa (population 307). We desired a simple way of life where hard work and a good dose of sweat equity could provide for our blended family of seven. Settling in Grandview gave roots to our family that we didn't have growing up.

We call our family R7. There’s 7 of us settled on 7 acres. 

What’s your backstory? 

Cowboy (my husband), and I threw a leg over my four-wheeler and pointed down the back road. As we came to a slower pace, an abandoned little ranch home came into view. My husband shared his dream of finding a place like that to call home someday. 

It was a little window into his ever-hopeful soul. Although we didn’t know when, where or how…we promised that if we were ever given the chance, we would bring a place like that back to life and share it with others in whatever way we could. 

That four-wheeler ride was just the beginning of us looking for the unexpected in what might seem lost or forgotten. From homes and rental apartments to chicken feeders and porch rails, we like to walk into a mess and imagine what it could be. Some days, that looks like repurposing projects and barn picking. Other days, R7 is simply a reminder of how we are committed to viewing our messy, beautiful, and often complicated life. 

From a reclaimed barn in Grandview we began hosting shopping nights, showing off our handmade furniture, teaching workshops and putting on an annual festival with vendors, food trucks and live music. Sharing our family and our found goods became part of who we are as a family and what we do.

What are your income streams? 

We sell in person at our reclaimed barn during seasonal shop hours. 

• We travel to vendor markets and sell from the "R7 mobile" 

• We host seasonal events such as "Farm Life Festival" and "Christmas at the Barn"

• We also take custom furniture orders, offer Facebook live shopping and have an online site 

How have you attracted new customers?

Traveling to markets was a strategic method to increase our circle of reach. First we wanted everyone within an hour of us to know about us. Then we wanted everyone within 100 miles to know. With each increase of the circle we worked to make sure that the experience both visually and the vibes of the atmosphere were "worth the drive." 

We wanted each shopping experience for our customers, whether it was for a live sale or a trip to the barn, to feel like they were our guests. We wanted the spirit of hospitality and belonging that defined us as a family to also define our customer experience.

Most impactful in this was the way we formed that experience with our team. We asked ourselves how we could help our customers feel like they were meeting us even if we were not physically present. 

This guided how we train our staff, how they greeted customers, and influenced our in store marketing to have photos of us along with tips and stories that we might share with them if we were in the barn to talk with them.

Adding the R7 mobile, gives customers a chance to visit our "home" on wheels to shop and get to know us. And we combine live shopping sales with story-telling and try to make deeper connections with each experience.

What is your favorite product?

Our favorite product has always been and will always be our handmade dining tables. At just seventeen, I bought my first table; and the obsession was born. I love dining tables.

There’s something sacred about the time spent around the table.  I crave not just the delicious prepared meals but the time of lingering and talking. So, it was an easy YES at an auction when my Cowboy (my husband) pointed out a metal outdoor dining set to create our first reclaimed table. 

With each table we have built, we pray for the memories from family and friends that will gather around for generations to come.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

Our family was such an important part of our business that our family identity and our business identity were very intertwined. That has sweet rewards, and we see the skills passed on to our children helping them become successful, kind adults that we are so proud of! 

But in looking back, we too often allowed the identity of the business, and our family to also become our identity as individuals and as a couple.

So, one thing we both agree on is that we would have made more time for our marriage to have an identity as a couple - taking a weekend away together or going out for dinner with friends - rather than 24/7 business partners and parents. We look forward to the time ahead to reclaim a bit of that.

What are your goals?

Our business was shaped around our growing family, and honestly, our growing family was shaped around our business. As we are newly empty-nesters, we are refining our business goals and how we want to share R7 in the years to come.

We are letting go of some traditions in our business that we have loved, but that no longer serve our family and our financial goals. We are able to travel more flexibly, and we look forward to sharing more of R7 in new locations. 

Additionally, I have more time to write and share about topics our readers love including topics on faith, family and home. I published my first workbook last year, so I hope to grow that aspect too!

Financially, we would like to sustain our retail income and grow revenue in new areas of content creation sharing what we have learned and how we have grown our business. 

What platform and tools do you use?

We use Wordpress hosted by Go Daddy for our website. 

We have a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook. 

We use Square as our POS, payroll, text marketing and to host our cart checkout for our online store.

Of course, we love Canva and we use Mailchimp for our email newsletter.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote, recipe, book or podcast? 

From the beginning, we have always used the mantra "Teamwork makes ---- the dream work"

We are pretty fond of our tagline, "Found. Reclaimed. Loved."

Favorite podcasts:

Business Made Simple

The Connected Life

Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp - (I'm a frequent guest!)

Books:

The Let Them Theory

Think Like a Horse

American Dirt

Recipe:

R7’s Cowboy Breakfast

A hearty breakfast tradition born from budget-conscious days and perfected over time on our blended family adventures

The Story

Breakfast has always been the heart of our family. From our early days when pancakes were a budget lifesaver to cooking for everyone on our wedding morning before a canoe trip, breakfast became our identity. This recipe evolved over time including adding made from scratch hash browns when we bought a 50-pound bag of potatoes during COVID!

Ingredients

Hash Browns from Scratch

• 4-8 large potatoes

• ¼ cup of oil (approximately 1 TB per potato)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Scrausage (Scrambled Eggs + Sausage)

• 18 eggs

• 1 lb hot spicy sausage (we prefer Jimmy Dean)

Optional Add-ons

• Apple wood smoked bacon

• Sausage gravy (recipe below)

Sausage Gravy

• 1 lb hot sausage (Jimmy Dean recommended)

• ¾ cup flour (gluten-free works great)

• 4-6 cups of whole milk or almond milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Hash Browns

1. Peel potatoes and shred using a cheese grater (or KitchenAid mixer grater)

2. Mix shredded potatoes with oil

3. Heat grill or frying pan until very hot

4. Add oiled potatoes to hot grill or pan. (This is the key is getting that crispy texture)

5. Season with salt and pepper

6. Cook until golden and crispy, flip over and finish crisping to perfection.

Scrausage

1. Brown the hot sausage in a pan, breaking it into pieces

2. Drain grease off of the sausage and return it to the skillet

3. Crack eggs directly into plan and mix with the cooked sausage

4. Add shredded cheddar cheese for even more flavor

Sausage Gravy (Optional)

1. Brown sausage in a saucepan, leaving the grease

2. Add ½ cup flour to the grease and sausage, stirring to create a roux (that yellow, pasty base for your gravy!)

3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly

4. Bring to a slow boil, stirring frequently

5. Once thickened, reduce heat and salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

Layer the crispy hash browns as your base, top with scrausage, add bacon if using, and finish with sausage gravy for the ultimate indulgent version.

Serving

Serves 7 hungry folks!

Do you have pets?

2 horses - Scout and Penny

The best dog in the whole world - Duchess

The friendliest barn cat in the history of ever - Jack

Where can we find you online? 

R7Reclaimed.com

Or @R7Reclaimed on Instagram or Facebook

Jeremy Hoye in Brighton, England

Originally from South London, living in Brighton for the last 30 years.

What do you like most about Brighton?

I moved to Brighton in 1992 to open my jewelry store. I knew that Brighton was very bohemian and thought it would be a great place to start selling my designs.

What’s your backstory? 

When I was 13 my Dad took me to a jewelry shop and I saw a skull ring. I was amazed that somebody had actually made this and wanted to learn to do it myself. 

At 18 I started a jewelry apprenticeship. Originally I was just fixing jewellery around South London. As I was driving around picking up pieces to fix, I realized how boring and similar everyone's jewellery looked. 

This sparked my passion for making unique designs that you can't find in high street shops.

What are your income streams? 

I sell out of my store in Brighton; I also sell a lot of jewelry online through my website.

How have you attracted new customers? 

Originally back in the early 2000's it was all word of mouth and print magazines. 

Now we are seeing all of our growth through social media - specifically telling my story to new customers.

What is your favorite product?

I love the Carved ring. I designed it 28 years ago, just after opening my shop. It is special to me as it took a few years for it to really take off, and now it is a bestseller, almost 30 years later.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would focus more on creating pieces that I wanted to make. For a while I got lost in creating things I thought other people wanted.

What are your goals?

To continue growing my business online and reach a wider audience worldwide.

What platforms do you use?

I sell on Shopify and market on all social media platforms

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

"You only see the obstacles when you take your mind off the goal"

Do you have a pet?

Scrappy - he is our family dog the kids had growing up. He is 18 years old now!

Where can we find you online? 

Website: https://www.jeremy-hoye.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhoyedesigner/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyhoyejewellery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeremyhoye

Vanessa West in Memphis, TN.

What do you like most about Memphis? 

We moved to Memphis in the summer of 2020, from Nashville, right in the middle of the pandemic. I expected it to be a difficult transition, but the neighborhood stayed vibrant.

Families were out walking, kids rode bikes, people worked in their yards, and everyone seemed to find ways to safely connect.

We were able to meet many of our neighbors early on, which made settling in feel surprisingly welcoming during such a challenging time.

What’s your backstory? 

After having my son six years ago, my original plan was to return to work in the counseling field once he started kindergarten — I have a Master’s in Counseling. But the longer I was away from the clinical setting, the less I felt drawn to go back. 

Two moves and a pandemic later, we relocated to Memphis, TN for my husband’s job. During the holidays of 2020, I started offering gift wrapping as a fun way to connect with my new neighbors.

What started as a simple way to meet people quickly gained momentum and remained popular even after the holidays, eventually growing into a small business. 

I worked out of my home for 2 years wrapping gifts. In 2022 I opened the brick and mortar shop which allowed me to move the service portion out of my home studio. I have a gift shop component as well.

What are your income streams? 

There’s our brick & mortar shop and our e-commerce store.

A larger part of the business comes from our gift wrapping services.

Many of those are project-based — whether it’s on-site wrapping for events, corporate gifting, or large custom orders — which adds another layer to our revenue streams beyond just in-person and online retail.

How have you attracted new customers?

We’ve grown largely through word of mouth and strong local SEO. When people search for gift wrapping services in or around Memphis, we’re one of the first businesses they find.

I think being a one-of-a-kind service also helps — there aren’t many places that specialize in gift wrapping anymore. 

Another major boost came from participating in The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge on QVC+ in November 2024 — and winning! Since then, I’ve leaned into that “award-winning gift wrapper” title as a unique selling point. 

What is your favorite product?

Our inventory changes often because I like to source from small makers and carry unique items you won’t typically find in big box stores.

Since I restock only a limited quantity, I’m constantly discovering new favorites — so my “favorite” tends to rotate.

Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to our specialty wrapping papers. They’re beautiful, unique, and as a gift wrapping service, specialty paper is almost always at the top of my list.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would have focused on creating a strong brand story from the very beginning and leaned more into storytelling to connect with my audience.

But as a solopreneur, it’s easy to get pulled in many directions with so much that needs to be done, and that piece feels more haphazard at the moment than I'd like. 

What are your goals?

Over the next two years, my business goals have me leaning even more into gift wrapping — going back to the heart of what started it all.

Eventually, I plan to pivot from the gift shop model toward a paper and party-focused concept.

Financially, I’ve set a goal to grow the gift wrapping service by at least 10% by the end of 2025.

What platform do you use?

We predominantly use Instagram and Facebook. We utilize local media (print and tv) to have regular articles featured on us.  

Do you have a favorite motivational quote? 

My husband has shared the quote:

Comparison is the thief of joy

When I find myself comparing my business to others I remind myself of this.

Where can we find you online? 

www.avenuewrapping.com or under avenuewrapping on all socials.

Sheri Long in Las Vegas, Nevada

Where are you from?  

Originally from Simi Valley, California. I lived in Oxnard before moving to Las Vegas in 2018. I left California as it became too expensive, and I knew there would be teaching positions in Las Vegas.

Love it!  

Have never looked back! I always say I traded beach sunsets for the extraordinarily stunning desert sunsets. Vegas has also been very pro small business.

I am no more than 20 minutes away from world class entertainment like shows, sporting events, and dining. 

What’s your backstory?

Baking has been therapeutic. I was trying to make peanut butter balls one day. I ended up making balls with an unexpected crunch in the middle. I started selling these new chocolate peanut butter balls as a side hustle. It has evolved into a full-time business. 

What are your income streams?

Majority of the business is selling wholesale to stores, hotels, and airport shops. The chocolates are available in several shops around Las Vegas. People often purchase additional chocolates online after returning home from a trip to Las Vegas.

How have you grown the business?

Word of mouth, posting on Facebook & Instagram, and getting into as many locations as possible. 

What do you like most about your product?

Every piece of chocolate is hand dipped and placed in a box. Packed in the Las Vegas skyline box is my favorite. It’s like taking home a souvenir.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently? 

This is a difficult question, as I feel like I am always learning along the journey. Every step taken has been a stepping stone to something else.

What are your goals?

I hope to employ young adults aged out of the foster care system. With a goal of mentoring them in networking, life skills, resume writing, educational advancement, and job placement. 

And to employ them in my business in IT, sales, customer service, and product development. The goal is to help each individual thrive in whatever path they choose. 

For business growth, I aim to expand beyond Las Vegas. 

One of my long-term dreams is to get into Starbucks. Coffee houses have always been my target market — and what better pairing is there than coffee and chocolate? 

I trust the journey and truly believe the right people appear at the right time. 

What tools do you use? 

Website on GoDaddy

Accounting is QuickBooks

Credit Card Processing is Square

Do you have a favorite motivational quote or podcast?

The quote above my office door reads:

 “Let your faith be bigger than your fear!” 

As for podcasts, I love the inspiration of How I Built This with Guy Raz; listening to the entrepreneurial journeys of businesses. I also enjoy the uplifting, powerful messages of Joel Osteen and Mel Robbins.

Do you have a pet? 

I have a rescue German Shepherd named Jax. My family does puppy raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

We are raising our second puppy, a black lab from a litter named Pax. No joke-of all names; so we have Jax and Pax in our house.  

Where can we find you online?  

Website: https://sugarandspicelasvegas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sugarandspicesales/

https://www.instagram.com/sugarandspicelasvegas/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sugarandspicesaleslasvegas/

SugarandSpiceLasVegas - YouTube

Sugar and Spice (@sugarandspicelasvegas) | TikTok

Melanie Pracas from Madora Bay, Western Australia

What do you like most about Madora Bay?

It is so close to the beach, which has been amazing for both life and business. I walk there often with the dogs (I am also a pit sitter), it's where I clear my head and come up with ideas.

What’s your backstory?

I started my first online store selling scrapbooking supplies (mainly to support my hobby) and that kicked off my interest in turning creative ideas into a business. Later, I began pet sitting as a way to spend more time around dogs, which I love.

I eventually opened an Etsy shop selling gifts for pet owners and tried print-on-demand, but nothing stuck until I found the idea of custom mini brick figures.

I launched Brick-You in early 2023, on Etsy. Now I’m focused on growing my own website for Brick-You and turning it into a brand people come to for fun, personal and meaningful gifts.

What are your income streams?

Etsy where I sell the custom brick mini figures as well as print on demand products and my website which just sells custom brick mini figures.

How have you attracted new customers?

A lot of my growth has come from PR and reaching out to journalists who are looking for fun and unique products to feature. Getting included in gift guides has really helped get my brand in front of the right people.

Etsy has also been a huge part of the journey, it’s where I first launched the custom mini brick figures. Its search tools and built-in audience made it much easier for people to find my products. It helped me prove the concept, build momentum and reach thousands of customers.

What is your favorite product?

My favourite is the Pet Owner & Pet Sets – probably because it combines two things I love: creating meaningful gifts and anything to do with dogs. It’s also one of my most popular products. People often include their pets in such a fun and thoughtful way, and I love seeing the photos they send in.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I wish I had started earlier with a clearer focus. In the beginning, I tried too many things; from print-on-demand to random gift ideas, without a real niche.

I would have launched my Shopify website sooner too, instead of relying so much on Etsy. Once I committed to brick figures and realized how much people connected with them, everything started to fall into place.

What are your goals?

One of my main goals is to grow my website sales beyond Etsy for more freedom to shape the brand. I’d also love to do craft fairs to meet customers and share the story behind Brick-You.

I’m working on getting more organized so I can focus on what really moves the business forward and keep things growing in the right direction.

What platform and tools do you use?

• Shopify – for my website

• Etsy – additional marketplace

• Airtable – keeps everything organized

• Canva – for graphics and marketing

• ChatGPT – I have setup custom GPTs as assistants for different tasks

Do you have a favorite book?

I’m currently reading The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran. It’s been really helpful for staying focused and organized by breaking down goals into shorter, more manageable timeframes, which is exactly what I need right now.

Do you have a pet?

I have a dog, Kirby, who is very much part of the team! He's a constant companion, model for some of our custom sets, and part of the reason I started out in pet gifts.

Where can we find you online?

Website: www.brick-you.com

Instagram: @brickyoucustom

TikTok: @brickyou

Kim Kowalski in Tucson, Arizona. 

Where are you from?  

I grew up in a small city, Roanoke, in southwestern Virginia - the "Star City of the South". When I turned 25, I joined the military and moved all over the place. Now I call lots of places home!

What do you like most about where you live? 

I ended up settling in Tucson, Arizona. It's warm, I don't have to scrape my windshield, it's home to one of the biggest gem shows in the world, and I can eat at a different taco place every day for a long time and never eat at the same place twice.  

What’s your backstory? 

While I got out of the military in 2001, I was still married to a military member. I wanted to have a career that I could do no matter where I was, so I decided to experiment. 

I've always liked little tiny things, weird things, found objects, that kind of stuff. So I started making little weird lockets. 

The very first thing I sold was a little clay fairy I made, and I told a story about her. She'd been warned by her grandmother to stay away from humans, and she didn't listen- and now she was a taxidermy fairy in a locket, with her little pet beetle. The beetle was one I found outside in a spiderweb and liked how shiny the wings were. 

My next problem to solve was that I didn't like the components I could find at local stores or online. The only answer was to learn to make them myself. I signed up for a soldering class at a local art school. 

Then I decided to step outside my comfort zone and apply for a co-op of artisans who send gift bags to TV and movie stylists and celebrities- The Artisan Group, run by Valerie Propst Guerrero. One of the first pieces I sent in actually got used on The Vampire Diaries, and was worn by Kat Graham as the witch Bonnie. 

Since then I've had my jewelry used on more than a dozen TV shows and movies, from science fiction like The Orville to everyday TV like The Young and the Restless. Most recently, Stevie Nicks wore my Full Moon and Stars necklace in her latest music video, The Lighthouse.

What are your income streams? 

I have definitely moved on from just having a little Etsy shop! While I do still have a presence on Etsy, I've moved most of my business to my website, Crepuscular Conjuration. 

Sometimes I vend at craft fairs, and have some pieces on consignment at local witch shops.  I also have a podcast called Your Average Witch, where I talk to witches from around the world about their practices, their lives, and share their stories. 

Finally, I have a monthly subscription box called Bee Boxes. I put together a monthly spell and include most, if not all, of what someone would need to do that spell for the month.

It comes with the written spell, the "ingredients" for the spell, a crystal, a piece of Clever Kim's Curios jewelry or altar tool, a drink, and a snack. I usually throw in something that I just think is neat, like kazoos, notecards, or found objects. 

How have you grown the business?

One of the biggest things I did was start advertising on niche podcasts. I searched for witchy podcasts and reached out to them to advertise. The people who run one of my favorite podcasts, one of the very first ones I reached out to, have actually become very dear friends. 

While it's great to use free social media and word of mouth, I feel like spending the money to advertise, and spending the time to find the right place to advertise my product, really impacted the growth of my business. 

If you are looking to grow your business, I definitely recommend sitting down and working out, in detail, who your customers are specifically. It's kind of a pain, and you might feel weird doing it, but it really does work!

What is your favorite product?

I think my favorite product right now is the subscription boxes. I have SO much fun putting them together. I choose the theme for each month, and then put together all the items that go with it. Every box comes with something that I've made, so they feel very personal to me. 

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

There are some pieces of equipment I would have bought earlier- the ventilation system, for example. And I would have NOT vended at some of the shows I did, because they weren't appropriate for my work. This is why you need to find out who your customers are! My customers are not going to Christmas markets to find weird goth stuff made of bones, y'all. 

What are your goals?

My goals... That's a hard one. I hope to double my subscription boxes for one. It's just easier to buy in bulk than to buy a bunch of single items. I'd also like to improve my recording area for my podcast. 

But my biggest dream goal- I'll feel the most fancy when events reach out to me to attend, instead of the other way around. And maybe seeing someone who I don't know, wearing my merch. That would be wild!

What platform do you use?

My own website. I also am gradually moving to Discord, it's really fun. 

I think the tool I use the most (that isn't in my jewelry studio) is the Marco Polo app. It has really enabled me to grow a wonderful community full of amazing witches. Shout out to Hive House! I love y'all! 

Do you have a favorite motivational quote or podcast?

One of my favorite podcasts is the Witch Bitch Amateur Hour, with my delightful friends Charlye and Macy. They're the ones I mentioned earlier. As for a quote, let's go with Bill and Ted- "Be excellent to each other." 

Do you have a pet? 

I always sign notes to customers with my name, and my dogs' names- Crow and Aoife. Crow is a German Shepherd/Great Dane cross, and Aoife (pronounced Eefah) is a quarter Dutch Shepherd, a quarter Malinois, and half Great Dane. 

Where are you online? 

You can find me at crepuscularconjuration.com, on instagram at @youraveragewitchpodcast and @cleverkimscurios, and on facebook at facebook.com/groups/hivehouse. 

Trenice Martin from Marrero, Louisiana (city outside of New Orleans).

What do you like most about Marrero?

What I like most about where I live is the culture and the vibe. New Orleans and all the cities surrounding the area are full of fun and celebrations. From the small things like birthday parties and second lines to the larger functions like Mardi Gras, Essence and Jazz Fest, it's definitely an area worth exploring.

How did you come up with the idea?

I've been creating custom t-shirts for 18 years now, but the idea wasn't my own. The business started with my husband and I in 2006. He was already dibbling and dabbling in it before I met him. As the years progressed, the business grew and blossomed into something great.

Through word of mouth & me implementing what I was learning about websites, SEO and advertising, the business became pretty well known in the city & was very successful.

In February 2024 I decided to begin the process of divorce and I started my own business in the same industry since I knew it so well. It was a really rough start though. I was in a new area and I had to gain new customers and gain trust all over again. Of course, I had customers that followed me on my new adventure, but it wasn't enough.

Word of mouth, advertising and great customer service helped pull in new faces and gave me the traction I needed to push forward. I thought about giving up...A LOT...because I didn't think it would be this hard. Especially since I had been doing it for so long, you know.

My new business made a year in April 2025 and I just started to see a flow of money! I knew I would be alright from here on out.

What are your income streams?

Multiple income streams is an absolute MUST especially when you only have one business. Right now I have my brick and mortar shop where you can walk in and place an order in person. I also have my ecommerce website, along with Etsy, Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. It's a balancing act paying attention to all those areas, not to mention the ordering that may come through text or direct message on Instagram.

How have you attracted new customers?

A lot of my new customers came through word of mouth which, in my opinion, is the fastest and cheapest way to gain a customer especially when you're a new business. The action that made the greatest impact would definitely be my customer service. That's the main thing that has grown the business for me.

First impressions are everything and I take that into consideration every time I see a new face. A customer will pass your name to everybody if they had a great experience. It doesn't cost anything to be polite and smile even if you're not having the best day and that goes a long way with people. Especially those that are giving you their hard earned dollars.

What is your favorite product?

My favorite product...hmm...well...i'm the t-shirt lady so, of course, shirts will be the product (lol), but there's a design style I like to mess with in particular and that's stencils or custom silhouettes. I create them depending on the theme or occasion. It allows me to get really creative and think outside of the box... literally.

Most shirt designs are boxed in and I like to get away from that and create something that gives the shirt a look that people aren't used to seeing. It keeps your creative juices flowing and allows you to challenge yourself to do better than your last creation.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would definitely do a lot of things differently if I could go back to starting this business. My biggest thing would be to not stress so much and trust the process. I cried regularly in my beginning stages. Most of my tears had to do with all the personal things that were happening in my life in regards to my divorce.

Aside from that, I was expecting more microwave type progress because of who I was in the industry and the years tied into it. I wasn't expecting to have to work so hard because I said to myself that all the legwork was done...the foundation was laid.

Then I realized that my prior business was structured differently and it wasn't cookie cutter. Same architect, but different blueprints for a different land and I needed a new foundation. If I would have grasped this concept earlier on, lots of things could have been avoided, money could have been saved and my stress levels would have been a whole lot less.

What are your goals?

My goals are to build more businesses, but more along the autopilot lines. I do generate money while I sleep because I have an e-commerce website, but I have to manually tend to those orders. I'm looking to take a digital approach to produce more money with less labor. You put time and labor into creating a product one time and it generates money for you repeatedly. I like the idea of setting it and forgetting it.

What platforms do you use?

Well my website is thru Wix, which I love because it's a drag and drop site. Very easy maintenance and simple to totally upgrade if need be. Social platforms are Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. I use other platforms, but those are the ones I'm most active on.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

Oh! I have a few of those (lol).

"If you get tired, learn to rest, but not to quit."

- Banksy

"Work harder than you think you did yesterday."

- Alex Elle

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

- Arthur Ashe

"Discipline is remembering what you want."

- David Campbell

Where can we find you online?

Visit my website at www.datshirtlady.com.

You can also find and connect with me on social media.

Instagram @da.tshirt.lady

Facebook @datshirtlady

Pinterest @datshirtlady

Miglena Petkova lives in Hinckley Leicestershire, England. Originally from Bulgaria.

What do you like most about Hinckley?

I love the peaceful atmosphere of Hinckley. It has charming streets.

How did you come up with your idea?

I have always loved creating things with my hands. Handmade items have fascinated me with their uniqueness. I started making wreaths and candles as a hobby, but soon I realized that people truly appreciate them and want something special for their homes and celebrations. That’s when I decided to turn my passion into a business.

Currently, what are your income streams?

I sell online through my website, Instagram, Facebook, and Vinted.

How have you attracted new customers?

Mostly through social media. I share my creative process, post finished products, and engage with my followers. This helps me build trust and a connection with my customers.

What is your favorite product?

One of my favorite products is “Azure Serenity” because it is made with a lot of love.

If you could go back, would you do anything differently?

I would have started earlier and focused more on marketing from the beginning.

What are your goals?

I want to offer more personalized products and start selling on Etsy.

What tools do you use?

Instagram, Facebook, my website, and Vinted.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

One of my favorite quotes is: “When you create with love, every piece carries a soul.”

My cat, Grey, who is always by my side while I work.

Where can we find you online?

mvgifts.co.uk

Marlo Miyashiro from Seattle, WA

What do you like about Seattle?

I grew up in Southern California, but after one summer visit to Seattle in ‘96, I knew this was home. I promised myself I’d never take its beauty for granted, and I fall in love with it every day!

How did you start your business?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I turned my room into a "Barbie Mall" and invited my mom to shop! I grew up watching my parents run their own businesses—my mom sold handmade dolls, and my dad ran an auto repair shop—so turning creativity into a career always felt possible.

My journey started in jewelry-making, which led to launching a wholesale line sold in 200+ stores. Eventually, I moved to Seattle, where I organized the local Etsy team and dreamed of opening a shop for independent artists.

That dream became reality in 2015 when I opened a pop-up shop in downtown Seattle’s Pacific Place mall with 35 artists. We quickly became a full-time tenant introducing handmade work to mall shoppers.

Alongside running the store, I also teach workshops and speak at creative business conferences to help makers and artists navigate the world of selling their work.

What are your income streams?

We have a 4,000 sq. ft. retail storefront in downtown Seattle representing 260 artists, just steps from Nordstrom, plus two websites. One website is curated handmade goods. The other is fine art jewelry & ceramics.

How have you grown your business?

Resilience has been key. We’ve faced major challenges—from a five-year building renovation that forced us to move four times, to navigating the pandemic—but we’ve held strong. We’ve adapted and stayed true to our mission of elevating handmade.

What’s your favorite product?

I personally curate every item in the shop and ask myself:

Would I love this enough to bring it home?

If the answer is yes, it’s in! I especially love ceramics—though I’ve never allowed myself to try making them for fear of becoming completely obsessed!

If you could go back, what would you do differently?

I would have closed Bezel & Kiln as a separate storefront sooner. I loved the concept, but keeping it going longer than we should have made things much harder financially.

What are your goals?

We’re celebrating 10 years in business this November! My hope is to keep things thriving while our building continues to rebuild its foot traffic.

I’m also looking forward to expanding my workshop offerings and speaking at more events to support artists in growing their businesses.

What tools do you use?

Square for our in-store point of sale

Shopify for both websites

Thrive by Shopventory for inventory management

Do you have a favorite quote?

The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling. -Fabienne Fredrickson

Do you have a favorite podcast?

Bringing Business to Retail, Rooted in Retail, Social Media Marketing, Tell Me Something Good About Retail, and Akimbo (Seth Godin).

Marlo’s cat named Sweetie.

Where can we find you online?

Instagram & Facebook: @thehandmadeshowroom
Website: thehandmadeshowroom.com Website: bezelandkiln.com