STARTING SMALL SERIES: Little Sparrow Co.

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 Julie Crigger, Owner of:

Hi! I’m Julie, owner of Little Sparrow Co. I’m a free spirit wild flower, self proclaimed garden expert and glue gun enthusiast. Happiest while camping, LOVE camping and lover of s’mores, but who isn’t! Seriously though who isn’t?!! I thrive on multi tasking and fully embrace the chaos. I’m a blessed mommy of three and recently engaged to my first love and high school sweetheart. Creating is my passion and making clients happy with the perfect floral piece is my priority.

1. Where were you when you came up with the idea for your business or discovered what you wanted to do?

I always knew at a young age that I would start my own business. My parents are both entrepreneurs and I learned the ups and downs of starting a business at a really young age. There’s nothing like being your own boss and being independent, especially as a woman! Knowing if you succeed is all because of your hard work, sweat and tears.

2. What was the best piece of business advice you were given when first starting out?
Find something you’re passionate about and make it successful as a business, because what’s the point of being your own boss if you dread going to work?

3. What is your favorite thing about your workspace?

Oh Lord, my workspace is a complete hot mess but as much as I try to organize it ( or just think about it if I’m being honest HA) it’s not going to happen! I thrive on the chaos and mess.

4. What does success mean to you?

Being happy with my handmade products and seeing customers excited when they receive them. Especially my brides having the piece they envisioned for their special wedding day and new moms getting the perfect piece to complete their baby girls nursery.

5. What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in starting and running your own business?

It’s all about balance and figuring out the best way to manage business and family. I never want my business to take time away from my little ones growing up.

6. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned running a business.

Numbers don’t lie!

7. What quotes inspire and motivate you?

“When you’re at the end of the rope, tie a knot and just hold on.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King

8. Which of your traits are you most proud of?

The will to live, learn and move on! If your idea doesn’t work, just move forward to the next one that does. I even have a tattoo that’s a reminder to always move forward and never look back.

9. What is your go-to when need inspiration to get out of a creative rut?

The beauty of nature. I’ll go riding in the mountains and all the lush trees, greenery and wild flowers will inspire me.

10. What does the world need more of?

Creativity and the ability to express yourself with no fear. Art and originality are a beautiful thing.