[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message]Niche : Home and Living
Shop link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioRosalina
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/studiorosalina.art/[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”
Tell us something about yourself. What is your niche? Why did you start your business?
My name is Ivan and I live and work in Stamboliyski, a small town in Bulgaria. I am in the ceramic field for more than 20 years now. I have not been to any art school or course and didn’t have any ceramic education background. I am a totally self-taught artist. Together with my wife, we created a small studio at home to work. I’ve always been passionate about sculpturing and creative activities. Many years ago someone told me that I’m really good with clay without knowing much about it then, and that was the point when I decided to give it a try and to learn more about it.
What type of products do you sell? How does your manufacturing process look like?
I experimented very much with different clays, glazes, models. I’ve been doing vases, clocks, jewelry, dishes, pots, and many more home décor items and souvenirs. Now I mostly sell mugs, jugs, some little figures, and different dishes. It’s all about optimizing the process and good design. The process of creating a ceramic item is long. First I made it from clay and after it dries it goes to the furnace. After that my wife glaze it and then it goes to the furnace again. I work with no toxic high-class glazes so all of my items are usable and dishwasher and microwave safe.
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What are some challenging aspects of your business? How did you overcome them?
It’s really hard at the beginning when you are full of doubt if that’s going to work at all. In my opinion and experience, the most important thing is persistence. It takes some time to see the results of your work but that’s with almost everything. You have to believe in yourself and what you do. The biggest motivation I receive from my customers. All those beautiful words and appreciation towards my work really helps me to keep going. For me, it’s all about creating something which will bring a good feeling and energy to another human.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? What’s the hardest about it?
It’s all in your hands. But you have to manage your time very well and to prioritize. You have to be very responsible because it all depends on you.
What are some beginner mistakes you made? What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share?
When you sell online it’s very important to use as many social media as possible to promote your work. Also in the beginning it is a must to get engaged with the community you sell to. Make research, look at similar businesses, and support them. That way you’re part of the community not only the next seller.
What inspires you while designing and/or creating new products.
As I already said, I got inspired mostly by my customers and their support. Also, many of them made a custom order which is always a challenge. I think about new designs when I am at peace with myself when I got some rest, and my mind is clear. That’s the time when I see inspiration around myself.
How did you get the background and skills necessary to run this type of business?
I’m a self-taught artist and so it is with online selling. It’s all learning in the process. You need time to understand which works or not and to be patient.
What are some of the most effective ways in terms of marketing products to your customers?
Using ads and social media to promote your work is very effective. Also giving as fast as possible shipping methods is a key. The most important, in my opinion, is your attitude to the customers. I always try to answer any questions on time, to be polite, and to solve different problems. It’s really useful when you start to understand your customers’ needs. I want to connect somehow with people who buy from me and to be sure that they are happy with their item.
What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful online business?
As I said it’s really important to do researches, to try different methods while you find out what really works for you. You have to be patient and you need to invest time and constancy. And also some money of course.
How do you personally define business success? Is it money? Freedom? Influence? Creative expression and innovation? Something else?
For me, it’s more about freedom and the ability to be creative. But you should be very responsible as well.
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Describe your day-to-day operation. How do you manage your time?
Every day is different. It depends on how many orders I have and at what point are they in the making. Some days are for working with clay entirely, others for glazing or packaging.
How do you plan on growing your business? What is the biggest impact on your profitability?
I want to make my own website. Also, I’m planning to add more products and different designs. I’m trying to optimize my working process to produce more and faster.
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