8 Small Business Owners On What It's Really Like To Start Your Own Company

Grace Kang, Founder and Chief Buyer of Pink Olive

Pink Olive is a whimsical boutique created to inspire giving and beautiful living. With four locations in NYC and the beautiful Hudson Valley, our mission is to make the gifting experience fun, easy, and attainable for little ones to loved ones. Throughout our 12 years as a go-to destination for unique gifts, we have created a special bond with our community. When our customers walk into the shop and feel inspired to give something thoughtful, we know we have done our job. Our motto, love.gift.smile, is the groundwork of everything that we do at Pink Olive.

What was it like to go full time with your own business?
I always knew early on that I wanted to have my own business, it was just a matter of when. But starting a business and going full-time is kind of like having a kid - it never feels like the right time to do it. The first year was scary and exciting at the same time. It's never easy to dive into something unknown, but I felt at peace with the decision and seemed like a natural progression. I was constantly out there networking, sharing my story, and making new connections. Every morning, I gave myself the structure to create the framework for the day (thanks to my corporate days). It's the same framework and motto that I use for the stores to this day. Setting intentions for the day and making it happen.

What was the hiring process like for your employees?
Hiring is so important and I am constantly looking for great team members even when we don't need one. I always say that I can teach someone retail, but I can't teach someone to have integrity or a strong work ethic. That has to come from within. In addition to formal interviews, we often do a trial and have extensive training days upon hire, but you can't get it right every time, though. It's a constant learning curve to be more discerning when hiring.

What is a common misconception about small business owners?
One of the most common misconceptions is that small business owners can do it all or need investors to succeed. "Success" is highly subjective and means different things to different people and is not always financially driven. Once you define what real success means to you, you can stop comparing yourself to others and enjoy the little things that matter. As the saying goes, "The only person standing in your way, is you."