This is the 21st in a series of small success stories called “10 Questions with” that features a creative entrepreneur or small business owner who has an incredible story 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.

Tova’s bows: Loved by Sophia Claire // Big sis/little sis tees: Olive and BIrdie // Tova’s pink top: Oeuf NYC (similar, and on sale) // White rug: Safavieh // Floral blanket: Little Unicorn // Cat doll: Blabla

A couple of days ago, someone sent me a DM on Instagram, saying “I’m a brand new business, how the heck do you get to 52,000 followers?” I don’t respond to every DM or email I get because there just aren’t enough hours in the day, but this one stood out to me. I felt like I needed to respond. And my response was basically that if you want to get to 52,000 followers, there’s no easy way, and that it takes years. I said that she should stick with her business and learn as much as she can, and she’d find success.

I know she wanted me to tell her there was some quick fix, some service she could turn on, but there’s not.

And that’s really how I feel.

It’s not always the most talented people who are the most successful. It’s the ones who are the most disciplined, the most dedicated, and the ones who don’t back down when things get REALLY hard.

So that’s why, while editing this interview with today’s guest, Alexis Coile of kids accessory company Loved by Sophia Claire, I found myself saying “Yes!” “Definitely!” “So true!” over and over again. It was like she was saying exactly what I think. Success comes from doing it a really long time and making and learning from a LOT of mistakes.

I was lucky enough to receive the most gorgeous headbands and paci clips for Tova from Loved by Sophia Claire. I love how sweet and dainty they are, and that the headbands are on super-soft nylon so they don’t leave indentions in her sweet little forehead. I love that the paci clips are neutral and pretty, and look like bracelets I’d actually wear. There are so many things to like about and learn from this brand and its founder, that I feel like I should just be quiet now and let you read the interview. The very last sentences is my absolute favorite.

Small Business Success Stories: Alexis Coile, Loved by Sophia Claire

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

Alexis Coile (everyone calls me Lexie)
Loved by Sophia Claire
www.lovedbysophiaclaire.comd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovedbysophiaclaire
Instagram: @lovedbysophiaclaire. 

What inspired you to start your own business?

When I was pregnant in 2013 with Sophia Claire I couldn’t find any simple yet cute pacifier clips on the market that suited my style. And all the headbands I found online were to large for my comfort so I knew I had to create something. I had the idea of something skinny, simple, and soft… so I started experimenting with different materials and fell in love with the look and feel of our braided leather pacifier clips. And so Loved by Sophia Claire became a reality for my family. Shortly after opening our shop, I released our Nylon Dainty bow headbands which are one-sized fits all and the softest material you have ever touched! Loved by Sophia Claire is one of the very first to bring these simple yet classy pacifier clips and dainty bow headbands to the market.

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

My shop is named after my 3 year old daughter, Sophia Claire. She is my inspiration behind my business. I began my journey as a small shop owner, because my dream has always been to be a stay at home mom, and the only way that would be feasible for our family, was if I generated a income from home.

I love to create products that other moms find beautiful and useful. As I mentioned before, we were one of the very first to make and sell these braided leather pacifier clips.

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

Before opening Loved by Sophia Claire, I was employed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for a local Autism Center, so I had no business experience what so ever. I did a lot (like A LOT) of research on branding, and growing your following on social media platforms. I linked up with some great mompreuneurs who took me under there wing and guided me through the ins and outs of running a business.

What has been your biggest success to date?

My biggest success to date is pushing myself above and beyond all comfort levels. By pushing myself,I have managed to land magazine features with out hiring a PR firm, I have gifted many celebrities, and I have built relationships with brands much larger than my own. I think that running my business has changed me for the better. I feel like it has made me more confident. I never thought that I would have my own successful company; I just assumed I would work for someone else. Running my own business has taught me that it is okay to have a vision and follow it through to the end whether it be a success or a failure. I no longer fear failure, I try to learn from those times that something I produced didn’t work out as planned rather than seeing it as a failure.

What has been your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge I have faced is realizing that running a business affects my family life and how I raise my daughters Sophia Claire & Emilia Jade. Because we are a family-run business, and our company is still being run from our home, work and home life can sometimes get intertwined. I have learned to accept that not all days will go as planned. But most days, I am able to keep “work life” from “home life” separated. When I try to do both, I feel like nothing gets accomplished and our days are very long. By making a schedule for our family, I am able to have time with my girls and have time for my work. Running my business is a big part of my life, but the most important job I have is being a mommy to two amazingly beautiful girls. They are my life, and it is my responsibility to teach, love, and encourage them to be the best people they can be.

Describe your typical work day.

Honestly, since I had my second daughter Emilia, most days prove to be quiet the challenge. Trying to find the time to be a SAHM/WAHM is quite difficult, for me family comes first. So on those days that the girls need more attention, I put all business on the back burner and give my girls my undivided attention. They are the reason why I started this business, and they are my priority. Success is only possible in my eyes with my family by my side. I know that I can’t do everything on my own and it’s ok to ask for help. I couldn’t have my business without the help of my family. My husband Chris recently joined my company full time, so I have been lucky to be able to unload many tasks to him. My mom and my grandmother are always just a phone call away whether I need a babysitter, or extra shop hands to get products made and shipped, I can always count on them! Without my family Loved by Sophia Claire would just be a dream put on the back burner until the girls are in school full time.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

I love following Melanie from Milk Snob and Susan Peterson from Freshly Picked. They encourage me to take my business to the next level and never stop pushing for what I believe in.
I am happy to report that I am taking my company to the next level. We are in the process of hiring our second set of employees, and we are looking for an office space as we have out grown our home office setup! Lot’s of exciting things in store for us this year.

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

Absolutely nothing, I am so proud to see how far I have taken Loved by Sophia Claire in a relatively short amount of time. I hope to continue to push myself to exceed all goals I place on myself for the growth of my business.

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

Dedication to your dream! We live in a world filled with instant gratification. We have everything available to us at our finger tips. We “mompreuners” have to be disciplined, patient individuals who know that success doesn’t just fall into our laps. It takes lots of work and dedication. I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to others, it’s very defeating for me as a business owner and as a woman. I limit the amount of screen time I get, because my time is best used creating, not comparing.

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