Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carissa Natalewicz, Founder of Treasured Gifts NJ, LLC, located in Brick, NJ, USA.

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

Treasured Gifts NJ is an online art company. I specialize in working with epoxy resin and crushed glass to create one-of-a-kind works of art and custom pieces. I also use epoxy resin to preserve wedding bouquets inside acrylic boxes for those local to NJ.

Tell us about yourself

I began making wedding-related gifts in 2016 for my sister's engagement. The joy I felt when creating them inspired me to open up my own Etsy store selling ring holders. After attending a workshop on epoxy resin in 2020, I immediately knew that I wanted that to become my primary focus. My LLC opened in January 2021, and I left my teaching job in June 2022 to further grow and expand my business. I am so excited to continue on this exciting journey! I am passionate about my artwork and truly enjoy every minute of it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to quit my teaching job and dive into my business full-time has been the most rewarding experience. I love having the ability to devote 100% of myself to growing my company!

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

Balance! Figuring out how to not work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also learning that it is okay to let go of the reins at times and ask for help when needed (something I am still working on).

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

  1. Know your worth, and don't undersell yourself! If you truly believe in your product, others will too. Take all business expenses and your precious time into consideration when pricing your products (don't forget about the yearly income/business taxes you may have to pay). This can take some trial and error at first, but it is totally worth it in the end because your prices are everything. Never forget that the only difference between a business and a hobby is profit.
  2. Be realistic with your goals. Expect slow and steady growth, and be proud of every small accomplishment you achieve!
  3. The most important one (in my opinion)- find a way to be unique. There are millions of people out there all trying to get by. Making your business stand out from the crowd will help it blossom into something beautiful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://treasuredgiftsnj.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treasuredgiftsnj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treasuredgiftsnj/

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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