
Owning a business can be fun – your ideas, your ways to implement them, your results. But it is also a big responsibility and a stress-generator that sometimes makes you wish you were working at an office. Of course, I know myself too well to even for a second think I could be happy in a cubicle, so running a business is my only option.
As someone who’s been dabbling in entrepreneurship since the age of 14, I’ve come to discover that entrepreneurial ability entails a very specific set of skills and a mindset. I’ve compiled my thoughts on what I think makes a good entrepreneur, spiced up with some of my own real-life experience.
- Act Upon It
“Sometimes it’s easy to have ideas, but somebody has to find a way to do it. Often those responsible for finding a way don’t have the idea.” – Karl Lagerfeld

More often than not, a good idea is hidden right under your nose.
An entrepreneur spots a niche and springs into action to produce a good or a service that will, hopefully, be profitable. I noticed that many people have that initial idea, that ‘light bulb above their head’, but few follow through. Just like many more perhaps have the opportunity to implement it, but not the idea. An entrepreneur has both, the idea and the drive to see it to completion.
For instance, I loved bright makeup but couldn’t find it in stores. I saw that people enjoyed my tutorials using intense colors and thought there was a good chance they’d like to buy them. Turns out, I was far from the only one obsessed with color!
- Be ready to make decisions, big and small
A business owner makes decisions which determine the direction of the company every day. Such decisions may range from simple ones (“Customers like product X – let’s make more of product X with additional variety”) to more difficult (“Product X bombed. How do we recover?”).
My example: One of the toughest decisions I had to make involved my lipstick formula. In order to keep the colors bright, we had to make it slightly softer than your standard lipstick. I was worried that customers wouldn’t like the unusually soft texture. I was relieved to find out most did in fact like it and some even described it ‘moisturizing’. I understand that not all my business decisions will be good (humans are error-prone after all) but I know I must continue making them, for better or worse.

Try new things, even though they may not work!
- Innovate
No matter how original your idea may be initially, if it’s a success be prepared to face competition sooner or later. Time and again I’m learning that the only way to say ahead is to continue innovating. I’ve seen many young entrepreneurs get devoured because they’ve failed to reinvent – when competitors popped up, they had nothing new to offer up their sleeve. A good entrepreneur is constantly on the look out for what to roll out next. The thing to remember about competition is that it’s not evil. It’s natural and only an indicator that you’re doing something right. So to stay afloat, be prepared to move onto the uncharted waters again and again.
My example: I knew I wouldn’t be at the frontier of the bright eyeshadow trend forever. Other companies began offering intense colors and about 6 months into my business, I decided it was time for our next move. I chose to make lipstick for the same reason I did eyeshadow – I couldn’t find one that’s opaque and in colors I wanted. It seemed like a great opportunity that was consistent with my own wishes and wants – an approach that has yet to fail me. Always listen to your instincts above all – even if they go against the ‘numbers’, they are your best guide!
- Be prepared to take risks
Taking on a risk is a big part of entrepreneurship and is the reason why so few people do it. You risk:
- Your time
- Effort
- Reputation
- and of course, money! (Sometimes not just your own but others’ money as well.)
When I signed a contract with the factory to make 20,000 crazy-colored lipsticks, it seemed absolutely crazy. There was no telling for sure if I could ever move them (aside from a VERY enthusiastic response from my blog readers – thank you!). I understood the dangers of taking on the risk but did it anyway because as an entrepreneur, you must…

Believe in your idea
- Persevere
Having faith in your project means not giving up easily, even if things don’t go your way right away. It’s not about banging your head against the wall and doing the same thing over and over until you see different results, but finding different ways to achieve the same goal.
When a buyer at Henry Bendel’s told me to give them a call when I had more wearable colors, I found myself at the mental crossroads: on one hand, I was dying to give my customers an opportunity to try Lime Crime in person, on the other, I didn’t want to compromise my message. In the end, I decided to stick with the unusual colors – believing that somewhere along the line, someone will want to carry them. A few months later we got an offer from SpaceNK and the rest, as they say, is history!
There are so many things to enjoy about running your own business – getting to decide what product you’ll be rolling out next, how you’re going to market it, getting feedback. Most importantly, you get to be your own boss and do what you love every day! As friend of mine put it, “When your job is doing something you love, it’s no longer a job – it’s part of your life!”
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Deerlings: Have you considered entrepreneurship? Have question? Please ask, I’m happy to answer!











I really would love to have my own business… my ideias so far are a book shop and a design company (to produce t-shirts and accessories based on movies, bands and stuff like that)…
First I need money… second I need specialists… when you started with the ideia of Lime Crime, how did you start looking for people that could produce the products???
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I looked on the internet, called a few places and asking questions. Eventually, I got some leads. :)
Great advice. Sites like Etsy make it easy for everyone to be an entrepreneur so it’s even more important to have a great product and move with the trends.
Awesome article! Thank you for writing it!
I’m 17, and I was to be a makeup artist. I’m lucky to have a cosmetology school right in my small town, and when I’m done there if I go, I want to be a freelance makeup artist.
This is cool, considering that we all need to be ambitious in a time of great economic recession.
However, people who work in cubicles are all very creative and capable people, too! Not everyone can be an entrepreneur, and it’s always nice to give the workers credit where credit is due. :)
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Oh, absolutely! I have nothing against people who prefer to be employed – most of my friends are. I just know for myself that I could never do it.
I have always thought it was scary to start my own business. I even got nervous selling old books on ebay. But very recently, I thought about how I wished there were stores and online shops that were totally marketed to me. There are lots of shops that I love, but I go to certain ones for shoes, certain ones for dresses, etc… There isn’t a store catering totally to me. I think buying product for my shop and coming up with the merchandising and creating an overall aesthetic would be so fun. I know it would be a lot of work, and running into problems and making wrong decisions is what scares me.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I like when that happens, when you “wish” something existed and then realize you should be the one to do it! That’s how ModCloth.com started – Susan just wanted a store that carried all the stuff she liked! Now it’s a multi-million dollar business.
You shouldn’t be afraid of making wrong decisions. If you know your business, making the right ones won’t be so hard, I promise. Besides, there will be other people helping you along the way (it always happens). :) Good luck!
im actually one of the few poeple that wouldnt want my own company, too much respinsiblity and if you go minus youre fked. Id rather try to get as high as i can on a well established company doing their pr
xxx
LOVE FROM M POPPY
LIVING IT UP IN LONDON
QUIRKY
tokidoki Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I agree. Too much risk involved. And being your own boss doesn’t give you perks like company paid health insurance (my company pays 75% of mine), sick time, vacation time etc.. And for a brief time I was paid as a consultant and I hated it. Not having taxes, social security & medicare taken out of my pay sucked . You really need to budget well when tax time comes around when you are payed for a length of time like that.
Sonia Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:08 pm
My boyfriend works as an entrepreneur himself in a way and when he asked me to join him in his business I cited these same reasons. But, after he explained to me everything – these thing are nothing if you are able to invest much of the money you make in high-interest savings (he works in the financial sector). If you are able to make double or triple what you had made before then…well…what’s the point of stressing over the sick time, health benefits, and such? In a way he’s right. If you could truly be financially stable earlier then you wouldn’t need these things to keep you down.
To be honest, I don’t like dealing with finances and it is not my passion. Fashion and art is. Which is why I never jumped on the same boat as him. But, I live in Canada and I work part-time for a huge international company that gives me 80% health benefits, sick days, paid vacations, and RRSP contribution match-ups. And, I work less then 30 hours a week and I don’t pay for any of the above – no premiums on my health insurance either like other companies.
But, what I am trying to get at is you are dissatisfied and feel like you have little control the risk is worth taking. Right now, I am half-way their attempting to start my own clothing line. I’ve wasted a lot of money and have a partner who is less skilled then me. So far, if success is a huge possibility then I’d rather be paying myself then being leased. I’d like to be able to just out of nowhere decided I need take a vacation and have no one tell me otherwise. It all ends up on what road you are willing to take and the sacrifices you want to make.
tokidoki Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Not everyone is fit for being an entrepreneur. I’m not. I like the security of having a steady paycheck that is the same week to week and not having to worry about my business if I happen to get ill (a good friend of mine is a freelance graphic designer and got the flu and was too sick to work for a week so he lost a weeks worth of money…that would stress me out). Although I do plan on being a yoga teacher (my own boss for that) but I don’t want it to be my full time job. I also hate anything to do with finances and budgets (I was an art school grad myself) so I really have no desire to be charge of monthly finances for a company and if you are your own boss you need to be. That would make my brain melt. I do however don’t feel like I am selling out for a company since all my jobs since I graduated college have been in the non profit sector. So even though I have sat in cubicles before I don’t mind because the work I do is extremely important for my community. I would feel differently if I was working for a for-profit company which is why I don’t work for them.
My whole life I knew I would be working for myself and so far, I have been since I turned 18. After I got my certificate in Tarot Reading I took my business to the streets and learned a lot! Now, a few years later I’ve got my own shop (where I also sell tea and clothes), two tents, clients who shower me with gifts, money, experience working with tons of different decks, online ventures, and more! This weekend I’m on the front lawn, trying to tell fortunes and sell clothes to make money to go to LA on Saturday… wish me luck!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 6:02 pm
A professional Fortune Teller?? That sounds so romantic! I’m sure it isn’t all like that, but sure sounds like a lot of fun. :) You must be good at what you do to have people adore you so much. :))) Good luck on Saturday!
Olivia Reply:
May 23, 2010 at 12:08 am
That is definitely what I wanted to be when I was a child! I am so jealous!
My daughter would like to know how she can make her own make up? Where does she get the ingredients necessary? How do you find a factory or lab to make it?
Thanks
So often, your posts are so aptly-timed for me. :) Love that. Anytime I start questioning myself, there always seems to be a post related to following your heart and your dreams. I think, she did it; why can’t I?!
Both of my parents had their own businesses at home, so watching that as I grew up, I was kind of able to learn what to do and what NOT to do. Seeing how they struggled at times made me, in the beginning, want something more structured and stable for myself, so that I knew how much I’d bring home each paycheck and could plan around it. Now, all that’s out the window. I’m getting to the point where I’m no longer afraid of not being able to swing it financially because my passion is so great and my instinct is so strong that I have to believe it’s there for a reason. I’ve worked for other people for enough years now and, while it’s provided me with invaluable experience I can use as an entrepreneur, I’ve hated every minute of living on someone else’s clock and making money for people I can’t respect. I want to be done with that. I think you have to go into your own business with a healthy, realistic plan…you can’t always just wing everything…but at the same time, if you look at everything too practically, you’ll never realize your dream at all. If you want something bad enough, you find a way!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 6:03 pm
If you want something bad enough, you find a way – couldn’t agree more!
Hmmm I wouldn’t say YOU were the “frontier of the bright eyeshadow trend”. There were many brands that sold bright eyeshadow like Kryolan (which you used to use all the time), Manic Panic, Stargazer, Urban Decay, MAC, NARS, Loreal HIP and the tons of mineral make up companies on the interwebs. And these were companies that had bright colors before you had your make up company.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I never said I was alone in the trend. Also, I’d like to think that Lime Crime does it in a different way. I wanted makeup that was fun – inside and out – and accessible to everyone, not just the makeup artists and the alternative crowd.
I’m noticing a lot of your comments are critical in nature. Not sure if that’s intentional but that’s just the impression I’m getting.
Anna Reply:
May 15, 2010 at 4:18 am
I must say I agree with tokidoki, I got the same impression when I read the post, but figured I wouldn’t speak up for fear of being called too critical. I’d just like to point out that being “critical” doesn’t mean we have anything against you, or that we are “haters” of any sort. It means we take a genuine interest in your articles, and when they raise questions or seem unclear or unjust, we take the time to ask you about them. We’re not trying to bring you down, but when things don’t seem accurate everyone should have the right to speak up.
You say things like:
“For instance, I loved bright makeup but couldn’t find it in stores.”
and
“I wouldn’t be at the frontier of the bright eyeshadow trend forever. Other companies began offering intense colors”
Many, many companies were offering bright makeup before you even started Limecrime. I’m thinking of the companies tokidoki just named, as well as a ton of other mineral makeup companies, many accessible to a regular crowd (think, available in Sephora). How you weren’t able to find them in stores, I have no idea, but the statements you made are flawed. This is strange especially when you used to use Kryolan a lot in your older looks. Maybe you meant simply that “there was no bright makeup the way I would like to offer it”. However, the way you put it now makes it seem like your company was the very first to offer bright makeup and “the leading” company until others started copying. I’d change the wording and make it clearer what you want to say, to avoid misunderstandings like this.
I love this article, it really highlights what we have to do to be successful on our own. I’m realizing that while I have the ideas and the dream, I haven’t pushed as hard as I could. As this realization has hit me, I’ve began pushing myself harder, and I plan to continue doing so!
Thank you for the realistic look at what it takes!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 6:04 pm
You’re welcome. A lot of people think that being self-employed means taking a vacation whenever you like, but that’s far from the truth. You end up working way more than you ever did before, but the difference is, you enjoy it!
I adoooooore the blog and how inspirational and gleeful you are, and I want to get that out of the way first. I’m a long time reader and a Futurette, actually! However, something has been irking me, and I’m a little disappointed by this post. You see – I never understood why people were so rude to you about your claiming you could not find bright makeup, so you created your own line. I thought, “Hey, it is hard to find colorful stuff in drug stores, so maybe that’s what she means here.” HOWEVER, here you mention that ‘Other companies began offering intense colors..’ like you started it all, but that is just not true. At all. A lot of companies were around selling insanely bright makeup long before Lime Crime and are still around selling it today. I guess what I’m saying is that I understand some of the rudeness maybe. I just don’t see why you continue to strongly claim that you were the first, or why you seem to just turn a blind eye to everyone else out there. :\ This has nothing to do with how amazing Lime Crime’s makeup is, but I think maybe you went to far with asserting your “originality” this post.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:28 pm
You misunderstood me. See my response to Tokidoki above.
I push myself to innovate – and encourage others to do the same. I make no apologies for how I see myself.
Laureth Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Gotcha, chica! Keep on keeping on. ;]
Incredible article! Thankyou so much for taking the time to put it together! The only way to work in fashion where I live is to do it on my own, and I most certainly plan to do so. =)
xoxo
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Sounds like you’ve found your passion, good luck!!
somewhat of one–I own a blog! I haven’t had to put any money into it but I sure put a lot of time into it in order to eventually make some money!
I think it’s just amazing what you’ve done, I could never do it! you’re a little genius x
This is definitely something I’ve been mulling over for quite some time. I still have full-time work (well, one full-time job one one part-time job), and I also freelance as both a makeup artist and writer… But since I found out the company I work part-time with is closing down, I’ve been considering making the move to full-time freelancer. I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but a lot of freedom as well. I’m just not quite sure that I”m in that place yet, where I feel comfortable giving up steady work (and paychecks/benefits). Now that I’ll be down to one job soon, though, I should have more free time to pursue my own things.
Thanks for the great post!
The post was good until “innovate.”
I like you, but that comment was so condescending and superior- look at me, I made bright eye shadows first.
What about Aromaleigh and their Rocks! line from 2006, way before Lime Crime? They have 66 beautiful, original, hand crafted, super bright colours.
Yes, Lime Crime has bright colours. But you weren’t the first.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 14, 2010 at 5:42 pm
You remind me of a high school teacher who told me I “wasn’t as unique/talented as I thought I was”. I never knew what she was talking about. It’s the kind of an observation that reveals more about the author than the addressee.
I think innovation is important. I do push myself to think outside the box every day, to various degrees of success. Don’t view my statement as testament to my arrogance; it was only intended to encourage others to think different. xo
Lily Reply:
May 15, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@ Xenia. Your response to this comment is incredibly condescending and rude. Is this the how you treat people? The honorable thing to do here is address the comments directly instead of attacking the author.
Lucy Reply:
May 17, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I agree that was rude, this is one of your blog readers – she even starts off by stating that she likes you! She was just pointing out a (legitimate) observation about your post, but you seem so hostile and flip it around to make her seem like the bad guy :( Don’t always take criticism personally, you can learn a lot from it (your fans thoughts are very valuable) :)
Doe Deere Reply:
May 17, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I don’t think I was rude, but I do tend to speak my mind. :)
Flip Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:17 pm
It wasn’t rude at all. Are you people blind.
Do you know what proper English is.
She merely said this reminds me of a teacher and what she said, and that she never said anything in arrogance but just wanted to motivate people.
Perhaps you people should be a little less rude and stop attacking Xenia. She said nothing wrong.
Dear Doe,
(Oh that’s super cute)
I am a soon-to-be-Senior in high school and have attempted my own “business”. I have an Etsy that has yet to take off but I know I have a product that people will want. I face college in a year and am considering entrepreneurship, but fear the let down. I want you to know how great of an inspiration you really are and how much I look up to how far you’ve come.
I was wondering if you had any advertizing tips? I don’t have a lot on Etsy right now but I really hope to spread the word to more people.
Thank you so much,
Love and Turtledoves,
Jaco
:D This is really inspiring, Doe, as I’d always wanted to be a visual artist, but, until recently, didn’t notice the business aspect of it (especially if you want to freelance). There are so many ways you can try to make a living off of your art (galleries, commissions, print shops, etc).
I was wondering, as a suggestion, since you have many contacts and know a lot of models, fashion designers, photographers, etc if you could get some other professionals to put in their two cents about their industries and the kind of business skills you’d need to channel your passion effectively.
This reminds me of the Japanese business principle of kaizen and how continuous improvement of how a product is produced or its overall quality makes a company more competitive overall. Only when there is open dialogue on what can be improved does real change and progress occur! I think anyone interested in entrepreneurship should definitely look into taking a class in Industrial/Organizational psychology and visiting local companies to see how they work/are organized to get ideas of how to accomplish what they want to.
Thank you for this inspirational article! I’ve been thinking seriously of late about opening my own cake shop – baking is something I truly enjoy and I’m at a point in my life where working in a job I hate is starting to have a bad effect on me. What I’m struggling with at the mo is how to get over the fear…I started up my own business a couple of years ago (my own hypnotherapy practice) which just didn’t work. It feels like I had to ‘give up’ on that in the end, and it worries me that the same would happen again….
Have you ever had worries or fears that have threatened to hold you back from what you wanted to do?
xxx
Jo Reply:
May 16, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Life is short. You have to do what you love and take the risk!! I always ask myself if I won the lottery and had $10 million dollars what would I do differently with my life? If the answer is the same then you know you have to follow your heart and do it. Sometimes things don’t always work out as planned and you have to learn to dance in the rain. It’s not getting there that’s fun its how you get there! You can do it Sarah, Don’t hold yourself back! :)
Sarah Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Thank you – it’s so lovely that you would take time out to help inspire a complete stranger! :-D I suppose it’s so easy to get bogged down in your fears and doubts – I’m working hard on myself to try and get out of that mind set!
Thank you! :-D xxx
Charlotte Reply:
September 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm
that is really wonderful! you just inspired me to take the first few days of my vacation and make it an “artist retreat” rather than working on mundane things like filing old bills. I am going to get back to my passion!
I have an Etsy shop making hair accessories and jewelry that I would LOVE to be my full time job. I know this will not happen over night and I have set goals for myself to work towards it.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time for motivation… last night I decided to start the process of revamping my store… as some of my tastes are changing (broadening, finally! lol), I will be changing up what I offer over the next couple months.
Thanks so much for always being an inspiration!
I actually got the impression too from reading your post that you were the first to come out with bright colors. Maybe next time you’ll have to word these things more carefully so people don’t get the wrong idea, because I did. :/ Still a nice post for those interested in doing their own thing in life.
awe, what a fabulous post for women
Thank you for this post Doe!
It was actually after meeting you that I realized that I want to run my own business one day. I look forward to finding my passion and making a career and life out of it, and know I’ll enjoy the hard work that no doubt will be involved!
As you’ve shown, it’s important to have a vision and to add diversity to the market, sticking to your gut feeling and contributing your bit to the world.
All the best from London! Anjanie -x-
When you started your own business how did you come up with the money? Did you have a savings, or did you apply for a business loan or get investors, etc? I know as a woman starting a small business there are loan opportunities and was wondering if you took advantage of any of that to get your business started.
Lily Reply:
May 15, 2010 at 7:22 pm
There are also funding-guaranteed opps with the export-import bank! (I’m in int’l finance and know waaay too much about this stuff.)
Just because there were a tiny handful of other make-up companies making bold colors I see no reason Doe can’t claim she was on the frontier of this trend people! Get over yourselves and your egos and start feeling happy for the confidence, happiness, and success of others and maybe you’ll just *start* to have a tiny ounce of what it takes to start your own business instead of hating those who can!! Grrr!
Anna Reply:
May 16, 2010 at 3:34 am
Look at the companies tokidoki just named above – Urban Decay, MAC, NARS, Loreal HIP … Not exactly a “tiny handful of other makeup companies.” In addition, there were many Mineral makeup companies already selling bright colors on the internet. Are you really arguing she was on the “frontier” ? Because if you have ever walked into a Sephora or browsed the internet, you know that is a beyond delusional stance.
It’s not a question of being jealous, and no one ever implied that. Her wording is simply incorrect.
My husband and I own our own company. Although we love working for ourselves and providing jobs for other people…it’s not an easy feat. We tell everyone who’s considering going into business for themselves…be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever worked and surround yourself with brilliant people.
Please, please, please will you start crediting these images! I would love to know the photographers who are behind the images you post. That, and it’s incredibly bad form not to, especially for a blogger with a fairly high readership like yours.
I am a lifelong entrepreneur too and in my opinion the best advice Xenia gives in this post is regarding competition not being “evil”.
SO TRUE.
My business (in it’s 6th year doing brick-and-mortar, online sales and throwing local events) has thrived BECAUSE we embrace the people around us and the peers in our industry.
It’s so much better to be inclusive than exclusive. Why hate when it’s only going to bring you down? Karma is everywhere, even in commerce.
loving the photos <3
Etsy here I come!! ^_^ <3
And always have a bright perspective on life so you can pick yourself up again. :)
loved the post doe!!
I own a makeup line as well and I have to agree 110% with Doe. Although there are so many makeup and beauty products out there its all in how you market it and what makes it unique. I love how Lime Crime has in own whimsical niche to it. I love that its the bright colors she loves and is not MAC, MUFE and L’oreal. It’s her colors, her names and her cute little mystical stories and her passion which is what makes it so special. Maybe she’s not the first person to come out with bright colors but MAC wasn’t the first makeup line to come out with an eyeliner or lipstick and their “special” colors either.
When I started Johnny Concert glamour I knew what I wanted in a makeup line. Yes there are plenty of eco-savvy, organic, and natural makeup lines out there but my passion for emo/rock music is what makes mine very special to me.
Being an entrepreneur is a big risk but the biggest failure is not even trying at all. When you love something and want to do it there will always be people who bring you down and who are jealous but Doe is telling you to do what you love and stick to your ideas. She didn’t have to write this blog but she did because she wants to see others succeed and spread the message only you are stopping yourself from getting in the way of your dreams!
I’m looking open a burlesque club. Something that emulates the glamour of the 1920′s, 30′s, and 40′s. I want people to feel as though they have stepped back in time when they enter the place not just another club.
I live in a state, in Australia, where there is nothing even remotely like this.
My main problem is having the courage to get out there on my own. I was really excited when I read this article because it has definately provided me with some of the courage I need. Thank you very much Doe :)
Charlotte Reply:
September 13, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@lillieful
awesome idea! Have you seen this documentary? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245369/
First time reader and I must say, great post!
I have my own entrepreneurial desires. I have the idea (clothing/accessory boutique with crazy colors and shapes), and the drive (I’m going to college for management with a minor in marketing, + I own a sewing machine) to see it through. I am mostly playing the waiting game right now. I lack the time/space to make many pieces (between working full time at a fast food place and having a small apartment (soon to be smaller)). I am also constantly in shops looking for new shapes and color combinations to keep my pieces interesting. In the mean time, I can always work on jewelry and other accessories since they take up very little space.
I have thought about this for a while and before I get an actual store, I will start online and see if my idea can even take off (plus, easy way to reduce overhead).
I really think that those who are really excited about an idea should at least try and take steps to see it through. GO FOR IT!
its so cool that, right when im all into this new project of mine (creating an eMagazine in italian, all with my ideas & inspirations …can u believe it??) … u come up with this!
its sweet & its perfect, & i luv u more for this!
u’ll find me linking back to you here: http://alidicrisalide.splinder.com
& my new project here: http://vistaerivista.wordpress.com
I think this is a great collection of skillsets and advice for those who are starting off on their own career. As someone else who dabbled from a very young age, I can tell you that I work much better as a leader in part of a team working towards a vision, rather than just my own vision, so I’m the living proof that it’s not for everyone!
However, I will say that experiencing it and drawing my own conclusion, and simply knowing myself, was far more beneficial than spending thousands of dollars on a college education to MAKE me be an entrepeneur. I’m not denouncing a good college education (in fact, I would advocate it if this is truly your passion) but I think that actual experience in this case is worth so much more when it comes to making the decision if this is something you want to do.
Thanks for the post!
I didn’t misinterpret the meaning in your post, and I feel like people who did are looking too hard for something that isn’t really there. Maybe you could’ve worded it in a different way, whatever. But it was clear to me that you were only trying to make a point about continuing to innovate and think differently and nothing more. I love how you said you don’t apologize for yourself. And I’m glad you didn’t listen to your high school teacher. :)
I too started my clothing line when i was 14 years old, reading this is such an inspiration. Im so excited to meet you on your tour through LA .
Doe Deere Reply:
May 17, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Good for you, Sandy! I’m looking forward to you telling me all about it in person. :)
Yes, I enjoyed Poppy King’s book as well … can you not come up with an original thought?
Doe Deere Reply:
May 17, 2010 at 9:17 pm
You bet I can – exactly why Poppy and I are good friends. It sounds like you simply dislike me, may I ask why you keep reading my blog?
I love this article, thank you! :) It pleases me so greatly that there are so many female entrepreneurs today! I’ve been playing with ideas about having my own fashion boutique, but am worried I haven’t found my niche market yet! I’m looking at selling vintage dresses and stocking quirky jewellery like Tatty Devine, but I think these kind of things have been done to death loads… what do you think?
Also another question… I have an uncle who used to constantly try new entrepreneurial ventures from manufacturing Japanese wooden geta slippers and promoting cosmetics, but so far all of them have fallen through even though there was this great potential for his ventures to succeed. So my question is… how come some entrepreneurs although they have this really amazing idea and product, they can still not sell it? Could a lack of faith and focus play into this at all?
I am one. I also found this funny, cause Im currently taking Entrepreneurship at my University.
I own a small record label and promotions company. Though we haven’t done alot yet, we have accomplished alot compared to when we started December of 2008.
Im excited because I know in a few years it will take off. My staff works hard, and we have alot of love for what we do, and who we work with. Passion is the key after all.
-Flip
How did you come across the company that makes your packaging? And did you use any templates or like bases to design on your products?
Doe Deere Reply:
May 19, 2010 at 1:03 pm
On the internet. There are lots of companies that make cosmetic packaging, it’s mostly about the design you envision. I design all of our packaging (it’s a lot of fun although can be challenging at times), but you can always hire somebody that’s good with the Illustrator.
Rawrzellers Reply:
May 20, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Thank you so much, I’ll keep researching and looking around <3
[...] experience since the age of 14, Doe Deere has quite a bit of insight on what it means to be a good business owner. Her makeup company, Lime [...]
I know that I will have my own business…the though of working for someone else scared & depresses me…I definitely agree with you 100%!
Hi Doe, First of all I would just like to say how much i love your makeup particularly your lipstick. I am a lipstick junkie and often feel dissapointed by the lack of bright and uniquely coloured lipstick in the current market. I have an idea for a makeup line and I was just wondering if you good give me some advice on how you found the factories to make your makeup and how you found out about the prices for the makeup formula’s and the packaging. Any advice you could offer me would be a great help. Thank you for your time and keep up the great work!! – Francoise
I think what I have most trouble with as an entrepreneur, besides literally having to do ALL of it BY MYSELF, is the marketing and advertising. I am terrible at it, I just don’t know where to start. I’m not the blogging type, and I don’t have tons of time to spend online or finding stores to carry my work. And even though I could advertise in magazines, honestly, that is far too expensive. Then I see others who may carry items that take no skill to make, and they are selling handfuls daily! I know we’re not supposed to compare, but it is simply all very discouraging. It can get to the point where you start wondering if you’re as talented as people claim you are, or if there’s just something you’re doing wrong. I’ve been doing this for four years, yet I still feel like I’ve gotten nowhere.
I was wondering , how do you get your lipstick produced in a factory ?
I only just read this article, but thank you so much! This has given me hope! HOPE! I’m currently doing uni course selections and getting a bit depressed because everything I want to study is something that people around me tell me should be combined with a more ‘acedemic’ course which will lead in ‘many directions,instead of limiting you’. So thanks so much. =)