Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melanie Rutledge, owner of Sparkle by Melanie Boutique, located in Boston, MA, USA.

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

My business is Sparkle by Melanie Boutique. My customers are individuals who enjoy supporting sole entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Tell us about yourself

I have always enjoyed material things like clothing, jewelry, and the aura of individual style. I had already been making jewelry for my small Etsy shop starting in 2013, and I thought venturing into clothing would be fun. The end of 2016 is when I opened up a Poshmark closet with my gently used clothes; however, I quickly got intrigued with the option to open my own boutique within the platform. Within months I had retained a seller's permit from my state. I began buying wholesale and selling new boutique clothing in March of 2017.

Fast forward to 2019, and I bought my domain and started my website for my ever-expanding list of hobbies and products I wanted to sell. I had become interested in the concept of resin art on a whim the following year after opening my website, and then another year later, vinyl and sublimation. So I have a whole belt of skills now to make products for my business as well. The motivation comes from bringing others joy through shopping for unique products which are an array of different styles for almost anyone.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment at the moment is my expanse of creative skills and how I can easily venture into and learn new techniques and ideas to bring more options for products to my customers.

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

The hardest thing for me even still is advertising. I am not a financial or SEO expert. I have the hardest time bringing attention to my business aside from social media.

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

  1. Know that it takes a LOT of money to start before you can make money
  2. Make sure you have all your tax accounts separate and everything, EVERYTHING you buy for your business logged for that so you will know your real profits.
  3. It won't be worth it if you worry all of the time. Have fun with your business and get others excited about it too!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am by no means an expert, and I am still learning as I try and grow five years later. Success and business fame will not come immediately or even quickly. It takes a lot of hard work, and I am still working on that!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sparklebymelbtq.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3w3SQBt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparklebymelbtq/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sparklebymelbtq
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-rutledge-32883861/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.