Running a small business can be difficult. All of the administrative and creative decisions are made by one person. That’s why it’s important to shop small—whether you’re buying from Etsy shops, attending crafts fairs, or following them on social media. Takes Small Business Week to support all the go-getting entrepreneurs. This year, National Small Business Week is from May 4-10. Here are small business owners sharing how they grew their businesses, their creative inspiration, and their small business tips.
Leika Ikuma (@kumankunstudio)
What inspired you to launch your small business?
It was COVID, and I was getting back into art after taking a 2 year break. I saw some artists making their own products, like stickers, and wanted to try. Once I printed my designs, I was hooked and wanted to see what else I could make with my printer. It was completely unintentional; I had no idea that I would end up continuing this little project into a business.
How have you expanded over the years, and what helped you do it?
I initially started by printing everything myself. I bought sticker paper to print with and even made my own notepads by hand. It was very fun. I realized that I liked designing products more than making them, so I opted to start outsourcing my packaging and products, which led to higher quality releases. I was selling on Etsy, but it didn’t do much for me, and I was just about ready to give up. I was barely making $1000 a year. I decided I would try vending at in-person markets and then decide if I should continue. It turns out, it was just Etsy that wasn’t helping me grow. People were actually interested in my art and designs. I just needed to find my audience! After half a year of vending at markets and events, I created my own website and now bring in my own traffic from social media.
How do you navigate entrepreneurship?
Navigating entrepreneurship has been really interesting. Since I didn’t start my shop with the intention of it becoming my career, I have been learning how to do all of the business stuff along the way, like taxes and figuring out ways to grow.
What was the best advice you received as a small business owner?
Get samples. When creating new products, especially with a higher cost, make sure you are working on samples. It’s okay to move to another manufacturer if the other isn’t providing the service you expected!
GotPrint tip: Order our Free Sample Kit to explore our business cards, postcards, and more print products.
What tips do you have for other small business owners?
I’m not really one to keep the same designs for too long, so I phase them out and make new ones, which keeps people interested! Try different events to gauge your audience and find which ones are worth your time. I find that people really enjoy looking at your items in person as opposed to online; they get more instant gratification from buying in person. Finding events where your products shine is tough, but attending events to also see what does sell well can be good for your research. Make sure you subscribe to email lists for events so you can be the first to know when to sign up!
Yeli (@officialyelico)
What inspired you to launch your small business?
I’ve loved creating since I was a little girl. It took me a long time to build the courage to launch my small business. What inspired me were other women on TikTok who took the leap and did it (a couple of them being Sweetest Bee Creations, Allie Rose Co, Just Be Kind Co). I watched them during quarantine in 2020, and it made me realize that I could do it too!
How have you expanded over the years, and what helped you do it?
Over the years, I’ve expanded from just online to mainly doing pop ups in my city (shoutout to Orlando— woot woot!) and not just doing everything by myself but working alongside incredible manufacturers such as GotPrint. That has helped tremendously!
How do you navigate entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship takes you from a 9-5 to a 24/7 job, BUT I wouldn’t have it any other way. It can be overwhelming at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a schedule is the best way to balance it all out. Planning launches, photo shoots, content, etc. It makes it a lot easier to navigate!
What was the best advice you received as a small business owner?
As cheesy as it sounds, it was definitely just to stay true to me. To let my personality shine through the products. I’ve been doing this since 2020, and I’ve always remained true to myself and things I love!
What tips do you have for other small business owners?
I would tell another small business, “Your work is one of a kind! It may be the craziest idea, but someone out there needs that one item that you’re contemplating or not!” Create what’s in your heart!
Lina Liu (@paperandsprinkles_)
What inspired you to launch your small business?
When I started my small business 9 years ago, it began as a way to cope with stress and give myself a creative outlet—something I deeply needed that I don’t get to express in my full-time work as a clinical psychologist. Creating cute, colorful stationery products became a form of self-care.
How have you expanded over the years, and what helped you do it?
About two years into my small business, I realized it was time to evolve and make a change. I had started out as a handmade clay craft shop, pouring so much love and intention into every piece. But as the business grew, so did the demand—and juggling that with my full-time role as a psychologist became overwhelming. It wasn’t sustainable anymore.
That’s when I made the shift to designing and manufacturing cute stationery and lifestyle products. Because I’m not an illustrator by trade, I partnered with an illustrator who could help bring my ideas to life across different products. Taking that leap was scary, but it allowed me to grow, reach more people, and focus on what I love most: dreaming up designs that spark joy, creativity, and a sense of comfort.
How do you navigate entrepreneurship?
This is something that I am still learning and growing in. But definitely time management and learning to delegate other tasks of my business to other people. By doing this, it allows me to work on areas of my business that I am strong in and not get burned out and overwhelmed.
What was the best advice you received as a small business owner?
“You don’t have to do it all—just do what matters most.” As a small business owner, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of trying to wear every hat perfectly. But learning to prioritize, delegate, and protect my creative energy has helped me grow sustainably and with more joy. It reminded me that growth can be slow and intentional steps that align with your values and your mental wellness.
What tips do you have for other small business owners?
Know your why. When things get tough (and they will!), your purpose is what will keep you going. Don’t forget why you started your small business.
Give yourself permission to pivot: Growth might mean changing your products, your systems—or your whole business model. That’s okay! It doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you’re learning and growing how to make things better.