Today’s entrepreneurship interview is with, Kim Glen, the owner and creative director of a Connecticut-based accessory brand called Get Crowned. From flower crowns, brooches, chokers and custom denim jackets, each piece is handmade and while there can be duplicates of these items, no one item is the same. However, what stays consistent is Kim’s passion to only sell fashionable items to those looking for something…Different!!
I hope you guys enjoy this interview as much as I did. Enjoy!
What was the inspiration behind Get Crowned?
I never intended to be a business owner. I never intended to create Get Crowned but it just happened and I couldn’t be any happier. It all started with flower crowns and the crowns I was making for my beautiful customers were to celebrate amazing milestones in their life such as a wedding, baby shower, birthday, etc. I realized that the same reason I decided to make my own flower crown that day is the same reason woman and young girls want to wear one. It gives them unwavering positive attention and puts them in a great mood. So now that Get Crowned has expanded to chokers and apparel I want to keep that vibe going, I am inspired to inspire my GC girls to embrace self-love and confidence through the items I sale. Who knew a flower crown could do all that? LOL.
What is your advice to emerging entrepreneurs about overcoming challenges in business?
When you are a proactive entrepreneur just about everything in your business will challenge you. I feel most of the challenges I have encountered are within myself such as self-doubt, doubt is the #1 killer of dreams. What has been a saving grace is the company I keep. My circle of friends and family are composed of entrepreneurs, philanthropist, mentors, etc and they are all reaching and achieving goals so having people around you to not only motivate you but people who will not let you slip is super important because seeing how they support you give you that extra push to not let them down so to speak. So the challenges you will face in business may never go away because as your goals grow the challenges may grow with it but keep your circle tight and get rid of dead weight and you’ll be okay.
What is a valuable lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
Lessons in entrepreneurship is something I am always learning and I think that is also a lesson it itself. You never know everything always be willing to learn and ask for help. Asking for help is something I learned is not a sign of weakness but a sign of courage that you want to get it right. Also I have learned that while you may start off your entrepreneur career with certain goals, those goals evolve as your business grows so there is no finish line in entrepreneurship.
What is a financial tip you would give to emerging entrepreneurs that has helped you?
Good one, I think I am still learning this but one thing that I am coming to terms with as a sole business owner is that you will always be in the red. Which means you will basically be broke in your business for awhile. Right now, all profits received from Get Crowned goes right back into my business plus additional money. Depending on your business it will take awhile to build it into a profit making machine but constantly putting money into the business is only to build it up to that level that i can reap the benefits of my profits.
When starting a company, what is one thing you would tell those hoping to start one make sure they do?
I think one thing that was helpful when starting my business was talking to people who have a small business. This is a great opportunity to get information of filing your business, how to track your expenses and profits and also listen to their mistakes. This is a good jump start because this allows you to hear sound advice that you take and decide what best fits the business you are trying to start.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
“Never be afraid to ask for help.” Sometimes we view asking for help as a sign of weakness but I now see it as a cue that you want to learn and get this right.
What is your favorite business quote?
“If you are not finding the job you want, create one that you love” I’m not sure if I made this up (lol) or this is actually someone’s quote but I live by this. Get Crowned embodies everything I love such as fashion, branding and best of all I’m a #Girlboss. It makes a point of never settling and I never intend to do that.
To learn more about Get Crowned feel free to visit here.
xo Yinka
Photography: Norman Oates
