Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with James Peterson, founder, and owner of Brooklyn Perfume Company, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
While nominally a perfume business, I've created an olfactory library through which we gain access to incredible and unimaginable smells. I use valuable and rare natural ingredients that come together to create scents of astounding beauty.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a chef by training--I've won seven James Beard Awards for my books--I veered into perfumery after one day reading a 17th-century book in which they described eating ambergris. Intrigued, I bought some ambergris and tinctured it myself. This led to the investigation of more of the world's most rare and elusive aromas, and from there, to perfumery.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Over the years--not just for Brooklyn Perfume Company but in many other contexts--I've hired innumerable people to assist me in my various ventures. I've been delighted to nurture, mentor, and pay these people as they begin their assorted careers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Selling what I make.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's been said many times before, but don't undercapitalize. I went broke setting up Brooklyn Perfume Company. I would have been much happier (I think) had I engaged outside investors.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When partnering with others, be sure that you each contribute a skill that rounds out the needs of the company. Many times, I and others have gone into business with people they like or get along with. This isn't the important criterion--make sure that anyone you engage makes business sense.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brooklynperfume.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynPerfumeCompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynperfume/
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.
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