This is the 16th small business success story in a 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 the next small business profile will be. The interview is below the images.

People start businesses for all kinds of reasons. Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood, and I started selling everything from lemonade to my own jewelry at a very young age. I always knew I’d start my own business; my parents are/were very entrepreneurial, and have always instilled in me a drive to do my own thing and create my own path. Those things drive a lot of what I do professionally. What drives you?

Today’s small business profile is a woman who found her purpose through something incredibly personal and inspiring: her fertility journey. The Golden Polka Dot’s Martha Phillips has been open, honest and candid about her journey to motherhood, something so many of us (including me) can relate to. She even sponsors couples on their own fertility journeys each month through her business.

I’m inspired by her dedication and motivation to not only her business, but to helping others. Because in the end, that’s what’s important. If we don’t use our powers for good and to make the world a better place, then what’s the point, really?

I’m excited to share Martha’s story with you today.

Small Business Success Story: Martha Phillips, founder of The Golden Polka Dot

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

Hi! My name is Martha Phillips, founder and designer of The Golden Polka Dot. Find us on Instagram at @thegoldenpolkadot. 

What inspired you to start your own business?

The inspiration was just from wanting and needing some practical baby items and good prices that I couldn’t find anywhere else specifically our waterproof bandana bibs.

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

Inspiration for designs is mostly from my daughter, what we need or love at the time for her own toddler fashion. Things that work!!

The thing that sets us a part is our mission and reason behind our shop. Our business really took off when we started using our business to share our fertility story and use the shop profits to afford fertility treatments. Our shop sponsors a different couple each month and donates a percentage of our profits to help them save for expensive fertility treatments.

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

I was the sole manager at a clothing store I was in charge of everything! We did marketing events, sales, floor plan design and more.

I think that job gave me a lot of leadership skills and courage to start my own business. My husband also went to school for business and he helps with some aspects and supports our goals.

What has been your biggest success to date?

This might sound silly but I think our biggest success is being able to share our fertility story and be open with everyone. It’s been able to connect people and help them feel less alone, help them feel supported

What has been your biggest challenge?

I think my biggest challenge has been pricing my headbands, and maybe making too many options and selections. It might be better if we had less options but I can’t seem to help myself from adding something new when I find fabric I love.

Describe your typical work day.

Each day I’m answering emails and doing some work through Instagram, staying in contact with other shops and loyal customers spreading our brand.

Every 2nd or 3rd day I will take the night to do orders. I try to do all the sewing in one night and fill orders in another. This keeps our turn around pretty quick!

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

Loved by Sophia and Claire: She is so kind and generous always willing to help, collaborate even with a “small fish” like me. That always means a lot to me!

Tink and Key: She donated some of her proceeds to different charities helping miracles babies and always has such meaningful items in her shop. Her miracle baby tees are a light in our home and I know they fill hearts of many moms.

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

I would have started with a more clear vision of my shop. I just did random stuff and didn’t even think of it as a real business for awhile until I found my real passion. I wish I could have started out with that.

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

Find your “why,” a reason you’re passionate [about starting a business]. I didn’t start to really invest in my business until I found my why and that made all the difference.

To read another small business success story, follow the entire “10 Questions with” series and make sure to check back every Wednesday for more small business profiles.

Tell us YOUR small business success story! For a chance to be featured, email info {at} cuteheads [dot] com & tell us about your business.