Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Esposito, Founder of Sabelladona, located in the USA.

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

I'm a freelance artist and content creator. My customers are anyone looking for fantasy and pop culture-inspired art and graphics.

Tell us about yourself

I've wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. I started college for graphic design and photography and never got to finish due to financial reasons, but I haven't let that stop my dream. I actually ended up taking a 5-year break after quitting college, where I made minimal to no art. During that time, I joined the online streaming platform Twitch.tv, where I started just playing games for friends. In 2015 they launched the Creative category, where artists of all kinds started sharing their processes. This is what pushed me out of my slump and started a new chapter in my journey. In 2019 I decided I wanted to work on becoming a content creator and open a small shop to sell prints, stickers, and other accessories of the art I was making, along with offering commissions. I'm lucky enough to have a partner that roots me on every step of the way, and on days that my dream isn't quite enough to keep me going, him and my cats push it. They believe in me, and because of that, I know I can do it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was launching my website and shop in 2020 during the Pandemic, mostly on my own. I worked hard making designs for stickers, acrylic charms, and even my first enamel pin. It's been fun to look into new products and get inspired by them for my art.

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

Learning all of the legal-eeze has been the hardest for me as a business owner. Especially since being a military spouse has me moving states and even countries pretty often. It's important to take your time and research the legal requirements for you to own and run your business. We all hate paperwork, but it can save you a lot of hassle down the line.

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

  1. Take the leap! Business favors the bold, and you'll never know if you can do it until you try!
  2. Learn SEO and social media. It's the fastest and best way to grow. Sites like LinkedIn and Skillshare have all kinds of courses you can take for cheap to up your social media game.
  3. Take time for yourself. Hustle culture is dying, and for a good reason. You can't run your business if you don't take care of yourself. That means your physical and mental health comes first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sabelladona.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabelladonaarts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SabelladonaArts

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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