Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Traci Penrod, Owner of Artsy Albums, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own an online scrapbooking kit company for crafters who enjoy saving memories and being creative. I also host a membership community for paper crafters.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Traci Penrod, and I've been creating scrapbooks since high school. I've been married to my high-school sweetheart for 34 years. We have two wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, an adorable granddaughter, and a precious grandson. After a 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry that just didn't tap into my creative side enough, I retired and went to work in the scrapbook industry. I enjoyed designing albums, store samples, classes, and mini album kits so much that, in October of 2011, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own company.
Artsy Albums is a product of a deeply rooted passion. After losing my mom to breast cancer when I was a teenager, I learned the importance of our memories, the pictures we take, and the stories that may never get told if we don't document them. I believe that our stories may be beautiful, encouraging, messy, or complicated... regardless, someday, someone will want or need to hear them. I welcome the opportunity to help turn photos and stories into keepsakes that will be shared for generations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm proud to have taken my small business from its 2011 start to an industry-recognized scrapbook company that has grown every year since the beginning.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner for me is doing "all the things" ... from designing, shipping, accounting, ordering, marketing, and customer service. Although I do have a small team that helps me, I easily work 50-60 hours per week. Regardless, I love every second of it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do something you are passionate about.
- Don't wait for the time to be "right" -- just do at least one thing each day to move you toward your business goals.
- Research your industry and do your best to keep up with trends and marketing!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://artsyalbums.shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsyalbums
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsyalbums/
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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