This is the fifth post in a 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.

Over the past few years, I’ve come to meet and know so many incredible small business owners trying to balance work, family and everything else. I love promoting these small businesses because I’m a small business owner too, and I know all about the struggles.

I recently met Brittney, the founder and designer of The Golden Tot Shop, and was so impressed with her line, her photography, and her kind, collaborative spirit. I was so excited to sit down and chat with her this week, becuase not only is her shop beautiful, but she’s got the chops to back it up (she’s got a BFA in Studio Arts!). So without further ado, meet Brittney.

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

Hi! I’m Brittney Knudsen, founder of The Golden Tot Shop. 

What inspired you to start your own business?

I was inspired to start my business when my daughter turned one! I was going to keep it small but as I decorated, my husband would say things got out of hand, but I say it turned into a dream. Everything was gold, white and pink and I made everything myself, even the pink ceramic plate the cake was on! I saw other shops on instagram and a month later I decided I was going to do it. I started an Instagram and started posting before I could change my mind.

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

My daughter inspires everything I do. Her personality is so girly. She naturally wants to put on make up, brush her non-existent hair, put on her shoes, my necklaces, headbands, anything! She twirls when I put on her Sunday dresses and kisses herself in the mirror. Anything I do she wants as well which is where I get my ideas. I try to think of what I can make her that is similar to what I have. I am also pregnant with baby girl number two so my nursery decor is coming from what I want to do in their shared room but do not really have the room for. I make everything I would love in their room but sell it instead of rotate the decor in their room every week.

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

Most of my skills come from my BFA in Studios Arts with an emphasis in painting from Brigham Young University. I also took years of sewing in middle and high school and grew up around talented women who taught me their tricks. I think though that mainly my schooling taught me how to think creatively and to see what I can do with different materials. I took a variety of courses that taught me how to work with different mediums and textiles and gave me enough creative freedom that I can come up with original products. I think about what I use for my daughter and the things she enjoys and create items that children would love.

What has been your biggest success to date?

My biggest success has most definitely been my dream catchers. I first made them to go with a teepee that I made my daughter then posted a photo of them. They got excellent feedback so I permanently added them to my shop.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was when I got pregnant. I was on progesterone, which added immensely to my nausea and fatigue. For three months I hardly posted anything, which set back my growth and made me doubt the success of my business and products. I am glad I did not let it get to me because now that I am over half way through my pregnancy and off the extra hormone pill, I am back in business and it is going great! I just can’t get in my own head again when I go on maternity leave.

Describe your typical work day.

My typical work day starts with taking care of my daughter and findings ways that she can feel like she is helping. I work as best as I can during the morning with her “help” and then get a ton done when she goes down for a nap. Sometimes we do a photoshoot in the mornings for new products and I will edit while she is napping. When she wakes up I package up finished products, go to the post office, then the store to get anything I ran out of. Often times my day doesn’t end til 9 or 10 but I love what I do.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

I am inspired by @pearlandjane for sure. I first saw them at a small shop round up in Provo, ut and their color scheme and flag banners inspired my daughter’s birthday party which then inspired my shop. We have since become supporters of each other’s shop on instagram. Freshly Picked is also an inspiration because of where she started and how her business has flourished. I met her in her Provo office and she is so down to earth.

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

At the beginning I was in such a hurry to start that I took really bad photos. I would have taken my time and took better photos for sure!

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

My best advice I can give someone is that you are your own downfall, meaning that if you want something, don’t be afraid to ask. You want to collaborate with a shop that is more established than you? Ask. You want to see if a rep who has a ton of followers will post about you? Ask. I have learned that you don’t get anything without asking. Do not let a moment of self doubt keep you down! Also make friends with other shop owners. Their support has been amazing since I have started.

Learn more about Brittney Instagram for more insightful parenting info.

Disclosure: The post contains no affiliate links whatsoever and we have interviewed Brittney at no cost to either party.