This is the thirteenth post 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.

Being a small business owner can be a lonely endeavor sometimes. When you don’t work in an office, you can’t exactly bounce ideas off of people whenever you want. One of the ways I collaborate with other like-minded creatives is through facebook  groups geared toward creative small business owners. And that’s how I met today’s guest. In this particular group, shop owners can post about projects they’re working on, photoshoots they need products for, giveaways, and ask general business questions. It’s a great resource, and I’ve loved meeting so many awesome creatives. Leisa Waldron is one of those creatives.

Her business, The Silver Loft, has been on the handmade scene since 2006 (that’s a lifetime in small business years) and definitely has staying power. Her jewelry is dainty, stylish and perfectly on trend. Best of all, it so sweet and personal. Her hand-stamped pieces are perfect gifts, or keep them for yourself (no one would blame you).

So lets me the creative behind this gorgeous brand.

Small Business Profile: Leisa Waldron, founder of The Silver Loft

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

I’m Leisa Waldron and I own The Silver Loft. Find us online a thesilverloft.com

What inspired you to start your own business?

Friends and family who pushed me to try! My husband is amazing and he supports everything I ever want to do, which I am so grateful for. Even my craziness he has embraced. I also fell in love with being able to create things that had meaning. Putting those things together brought me to where I am!

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

I am mostly inspired by life and relationships. Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons, Sisters, Brothers, Friends, Lovers. They all have a part in my creative brain and I am always trying to come up with a product that relates to them AND makes them feel something good. I want to inspire others in some way or give them something to feel special about.

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

I actually started out in graphic design and fine art. When I realized that those professions were mainly focused on the opinions of my teachers and clients instead of what I liked doing, I decided to change focus. I basically ended up graduating with a major in University studies (combo of business and art) and minors in Fine Art, Home and Family Studies, and Child and Family studies. I joke that I graduated in being a “mom” because I use my minors all of the time! I stuck to fine art for a long time, doing art fairs, selling in galleries etc. I didn’t actually start making jewelry until I had two daughters and no more time to paint. It was a small hobby that exploded once I realized what I could do with it. I still try to paint one painting each year.

What has been your biggest success to date?

With life, my husband and kids. They are my everything.

With my business I would say my biggest success is that I have been able to find a way to make money and STILL LOVE what I do. It is hard to listen to your heart sometimes when dollar signs point to something else. I truly believe that to be successful you have to have your heart in it.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Time management. Putting that phone down and that computer away and getting back to “real life”. If I don’t take the time to live my life, my work ultimately fails because I end up not happy. Trying to manage life and work together is a constant struggle.

Describe your typical work day.

Oh where do I begin! My days are all jumbled into one circus act, haha. I am striving to keep to a better schedule but it is hard with 4 kids and a business all in one house. The best I can describe the day is trying to play checkers with someone, and there is an earthquake every 5 minutes. So you put the pieces back on the board and start where you left off. Sometimes you get further in the game, and sometimes you just have to start over. When all is said and done, I becoming quite a patient person, haha. For creativity, the night is what I really live for. I am a night owl and my creative brain turns on full force then. When all of the kids are asleep and I can just work and think by myself. My nighttimes are when I create, stamp, and occasionally…sleep.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

There are so many, it is hard to narrow it down. My father is an entrepreneur so I know I got my genes from him. Entrepreneurship only works if you are willing to work hard and be open minded, so I like to credit that to him. 🙂

Some of my FAVORITE small businesses are Gabriels Good Tidings. Amy is amazing and has paid for her husbands degree and still loves what she does. Another I love is Little Teether. Pebbles is like my business therapist. She has SO MANY amazing ideas, and they don’t stop. One phone call with her and I feel inspired and ready to take on the world.

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

I would have listened to my instincts more. I have learned that they are almost always right. 🙂 I also wouldn’t let so many things stop me. Timing is one of them. I have learned that just doing something if it feels right, whether or not the timing is right will work out. Waiting too long make the excitement disappear.

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

Do it! Don’t wait for the right time just do it. You will learn along the way, you will realized who is there to help you and they will help you! You will meet new people who inspire you. You will succeed no matter how it turns out because of how you will grow!

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