This is the seventh post in a new weekly series called “10 Questions with” that will feature creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories and advice to share. It’s the perfect series to follow for budding entrepreneurs and creative people who want to know more about other people’s creative processes. Check back here every Wednesday to see who will be profiled next.. The interview is below the images.

 

  
I have been fortunate to meet some incredible business owners through my own journey in the small business community. One of the women who I’ve come across is the owner of Lost Boy Goods, Aliyah Solomon. Her business has undergone quite a transformation in the last year, and it’s been really amazing and empowering to watch. Sometimes it takes that “aha” moment, as Oprah calls it, to help you find your purpose and find something that truly sets you apart in the marketplace. I believe she’s found it, and I’m excited to share her story with you today.

The Interview

Glad to chat with you! First, tell us where we can find you online.

My name is Aliyah but I mostly go by “Lou.” I own Lost Boy Goods. You can find us on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/lostboygoods or on our home site- lostboygoods.com.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I started Lost Boy Goods in November 2014 after quitting my job, working in health insurance. I began selling children’s clothing because I always had a passion for clothing. I was tired of the same, generic boy stuff in department stores.

What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?

When I initially opened shop, I sold clothing and found myself inspired by “Neverland” (of course!) as well as some of the street fashion I saw in Thailand as a teenager. The age appropriate, gender neutral, fun fashion is what got me started. Earlier this year, after a long wait, my husband and I found out that we were expecting our second child. I took a break from my business to rest and get through my first trimester with as little stress as possible. I spent hours on online, making my handmade wishlist for the new baby. One thing that I couldn’t find was swaddle blankets that I liked, so I decided to make my own. I bought the fabric and the dye and left them in my “new baby” box for a few days, until I would have the energy to make them. Before I had the chance to make them, we found out via ultrasound that there was something abnormal. I had to have surgery and it was determined that I had Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. After I lost my pregnancy, I was heartbroken. I knew I had a long road ahead of me and spent several weeks mourning the loss. One day, I got angry and wanted to get rid of everything in the box. I decided to make the swaddles and sell them on my website. Truly, I just wanted them gone but it turned out to be a very healing process for me. The first release was a great success and I realized that I was on to something.

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?

I’ve had many jobs, none of which have any relation to owning and operating a small business. I do believe, however, that working as an obnoxious, performing server at an ice cream parlour did give me the sense of humor it takes to handle the madness that is needed for a job like this.

What has been your biggest success to date?

I would say that my biggest success is the amount of healing that has taken place because of my business. I know that I would be an absolute wreck without this outlet.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was learning to understand that what others do has nothing to do with me. We all live different lives and experience different things. It was hard to be genuinely happy for new and expectant moms because, quite frankly, I was angry. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t seem to keep a pregnancy when all I have ever wanted was a big family. It took a lot to stop feeling sorry for myself and to find joy in seeing new babies with my blankets. I essentially had to “rewire” my brain and realize that my lost baby’s memory lives on.

Describe your typical work day.

I wake up every morning and watch cartoons with my toddler. We eat breakfast and I have a cup of coffee (or 3). The work I do each day varies but I always try to include my son in what I do. If I’m writing and hand painting our cards, I set him up with paints and he works by my side. If I am sewing, he’s folding blankets for me. It’s very important to me to keep that stay-at-home mom “feel,” even though I work from home. We work until 5 PM, as I attempt to stick with traditional business hours.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

I have made so many great friends through my business and I am inspired by every single one of them.

If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

I would not change anything. I needed this wild journey to get to where I am now. I’ve made countless mistakes and they have each taught me what I know now.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?

Do what you love. I know that sounds cliche but it’s really the best advice. I love clothing but making it was not something that I loved doing. It became very tedious for me and I dreaded working every day. You have to make sure that you really love whatever it is that you’re doing. People can feel the love you put into your work and that will set you apart.