Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tristan Roquette, Co-Owner of Piecework Puzzles, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Piecework Puzzles is a carefully curated, design-forward line of jigsaw puzzles designed to make your heart sing! We started Piecework after discovering the joy and satisfaction that comes from working on a puzzle. Our customers are anyone who likes a great puzzle and enjoys spending time in the great indoors.
Tell us about yourself
I've had the pleasure of working with a variety of businesses over the years as an experienced business consultant and advisor in the gift and lifestyle industries. Piecework, whose stunning jigsaw puzzles snatched my heart and imagination, was one of my favorite customers. I had to get engaged after seeing the enthusiasm and potential of the brand. I decided to invest in Piecework and take a majority stake in the company with the goal of turning it into a recognized brand for design-conscious puzzle fans.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been to help bring a startup to a valuation of over $2B in 18 months.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Without a question, one of the hardest problems in this industry is downsizing. When times are hard, making sacrifices goes beyond simply reducing spending and letting go of resources. It also involves bidding farewell to the talented and devoted colleagues you've come to know and love. In this business, you develop lasting ties, so losing them is never easy. Downsizing can be a vital step to help a business weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side, despite how challenging it may be.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love what you do.
- Work hard, seek knowledge, and remain humble.
- Focus on the big picture.
- Never give up, and be open to luck.
These ideas have served as my compass and guided me in overcoming obstacles and achieving my objectives. Success will come when you work hard and do what you love, but you also need to maintain your eyes on the goal and persevere in facing obstacles. You never know where the path may take you, so keep moving forward while remaining passionate, interested, and focused.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pieceworkpuzzles.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieceworkpuzzles/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristan-roquette/
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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