The focus of the Starting Small series is to introduce you to some amazing individuals who have built their own businesses from scratch. They are full of passion, life, and love. Once a month, we feature a new business owner, and pick their brain regarding how they started their business, advice for those who have/wish to have a business themselves, how they make time for themselves, and most importantly, which they love most about being a small business owner. I hope these individuals will inspire you, motivate you, and fill your heart with as much love as they’ve filled mine.
Chatting with Brittany , Owner of:
Hello! I’m Brittany, owner of B.Stamped. We create personalized jewelry ranging from wrap bracelets and leather earrings to bar necklaces as well as gifts like personalized fishing lures, stamped coffee spoons and so much more. I’m thrilled that the team behind B.Stamped is made up of mostly stay at home moms, who love connecting with others and creating new things just as much as I do!
I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a little girl, but I ended up going to college to become a nurse. I graduated with my BSN and immediately went into nursing. It wasn’t until 4 years later when I had my first son that I felt that strong pull to work for myself.
I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a little girl, but I ended up going to college to become a nurse. I graduated with my BSN and immediately went into nursing. It wasn’t until 4 years later when I had my first son that I felt that strong pull to work for myself.
Success to me is being happy. I’ve learned a lot in my 4 years of being a business owner, I used to measure success in numbers and profit but none of that leads to happiness. Throughout this journey i’ve learned to really let myself follow my passions, Of course my biggest passion is being a mother to my two little boys. I love that we can take a break from the office and run out to the river for a little adventure, that makes me happy. I’ve been able to turn my photography hobby into a part of my business and that has made me happy. Really, allowing myself to define my success in ways not related to sales and profits has changed my life.
Time has been one of my biggest sacrifices in both starting and running my business. During the initial start up I spent countless hours on my computer researching SEO, selling platforms, social media and everything in between. The whole purpose for starting B.Stamped was to have more time with my family, however in those early days it definitely left me with less time. Over the years we’ve hired others to do tasks that I used to do and that has helped maintain a balance between work and family time.
The biggest lesson i’ve learned since being a business owner is that finding a balance is essential. There are times when I want to take over the world (not for real though) with my business and creativity, while other times I just want to be a stay at home mom with no worries of keeping a business running and successful. This is something i’m still working on, and i’m nowhere near perfect in finding a balance, however it’s something that i’ve been learning over the past 4 years.
I’m motivated by our customers and their stories. Whether they purchase a motivational quote bracelet, a piece of mommy jewelry or a loss bracelet in memory of a loved one, i’m inspired to keep creating and connecting with our community of customers.
Through this business i’ve learned to never give up. I’m proud of this trait and I believe it’s one that all entrepreneurs share. Some of my favorite memories are those just sitting with my husband dreaming and scheming about this business and other businesses we’ve developed over the years. There are time when a new idea or release doesn’t go as well as planned, but I try to stay positive and reevaluate what I could have done differently to improve for next time.
I’ve recently become obsessed with You Tube. Before a few months ago I don’t think I ever used You Tube for anything but i’ve started watching videos of some of my favorite travel videographers while working and i’ve been so inspired by them. Inspired to follow my passions and continue to grow as a creative and entrepreneur.
I thought i’d ask my 5 and 2 year old this question. My 5 year old says” The world needs more sharing, happiness and playing with your friends”. My 2 year old said “chicken”, haha. I think my 5 year old was pretty spot on; my biggest wish for everyone in this world is for them to be truly happy and be able to follow their own passions. I love that being an entrepreneur allows for a more flexible schedule which leaves me feeling happier. If you have a dream, don’t doubt yourself- work hard for it and make it your reality!
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