and how you can get inspired too!
Looking back, I have always had the drive to start my own business, build a brand, and become a part of the next big thing (whatever that may be). It’s this entrepreneurial spirit that I’ve engaged throughout most of my life. When I was younger, around age 13, I started selling homemade dog treats to my neighbors, family, and friends. I made flyers and distributed them door-to-door around the neighborhood. At the time, I just wanted to make some extra money for when I went out with friends and you simply cannot get a job at age 13 without a solid connection. I made a little money and continued to focus on school for the next few years. After several part-time jobs and a high school diploma, I entered Endicott College my Freshman year with a bright spirit and bold ideas. I founded the Endicott Women in LEADership Organization and ran a successful conference during my time. I used that same spirit to fuel the passion and hard work I put forth in other organizations at school.
Fast-forward to 2017, I have been searching for that side hustle you may have heard about. That’s right, I listen to a podcast or two. My desire to start a business has grown and grown. Apart from this wonderful blog I have been able to optimize, I wanted to put my name on something tangible. That’s when I realized what I’d been missing all along.
How did I realize what could become a business venture?
In business, you will fail if you just don’t try. I figured why not and took a leap into a side hustle of my own.
- Write down your strengths and weaknesses
- Think about any hobbies you might have or have had
- What is it you love to do when you have the time?
- Play around with a variety of ideas until you find one
These are the most basic steps I took before deciding to launch Corky’s Co, my new online retail business. I always loved to do crafty things for friends & family as gifts or simply for the house. I am always jumping at the idea of using my creativity to create something useful.
I made these coasters for my mom for Christmas 2016 and was sure she would love them. They were wine-themed and featured our favorite family photo. Us kids, we are always leaving rings on the table from mugs and glasses. Needless to say, she hated it. We have been using the coasters ever since. One day, while I was sitting in our office, I looked down at the coaster I’d made next to me and thought that’s it! This idea for Corky’s came to me that easily because it allowed for creativity and was a tangible product I knew people would both love and find useful in their homes.
That brings me to my official announcement…
I HAVE OFFICIALLY STARTED MY OWN BUSINESS
Corky’s Co is an online specialty home goods retailer. Right now, I am offering pre-set and custom coaster sets that I create myself!
My goal is to launch other products in the upcoming months.
I would love for the support of my blog followers in this exciting new venture!
I’d love to hear your feedback and design suggestions for new product launches.