This week in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re excited to introduce you to Araya of Willful.

 

 

LBC: When did you start your business and what inspired you to take the leap as an entrepreneur? 
Araya: In short, I couldn’t find a suitable job as a Kitchen + Bath Designer after I was laid off after being in the industry for 12 years, so I created a job for myself.

 

LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Araya: I create organic, modern housewares.

 

LBC: Where can we find your products?
Araya: You can find my products on line at www.willfulgoods.com as well as in small like-minded boutique stores all over the US, Australia and Europe in addition to some online partners. 

 

LBC: What inspires you? 
Araya: I have spent a lot of my life around nature, growing up in Northern Minnesota near the north shore of Lake Superior, playing in the woods and taking advantage of our beautiful surroundings. Now my husband and I do the same with our children. These moments inspire me to continue to grow my shop, along with inspiring the colors and the shapes I create.

 

 

LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made.
Araya: For sure, deciding to just go for it … to start my own business. While it was scary thinking that I would be solely responsible for sustaining a career and income, it turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made. Since then I have been able to say no to quite a few job offers in my previous career and that feels really great. I also have the flexibility to be with my kiddos and see my creative vision come to fruition, that makes me happy. 

 

LBC: What’s been one of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered during your journey as a maker and how have you managed to conquer or mitigate it?
Araya: I think the largest obstacle is being a jack of all trades. When I went into it I didn’t know anything about most of what I was doing. I took a community ed class on how to create a website, I read multiple books on social media and had to research how to ship products. All in all, I was able to conquer it by just going for it, making mistakes and learning from those in addition to lots of research and learning from others mistakes, too.

 

 

LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If we blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Araya: I hope that I am able to continue to use my creativity to grow my business into some soft goods. I am currently testing out some different dying and printing techniques.  Eventually, when my kids are both in school, I would love to have some type of store front myself where I can meet my customers directly and maybe even teach classes. But, wherever this roller coaster takes me, I am enjoying the ride.

 

LBC: Please share one of your favorite resources: a book, a website, an app, a gadget, an event… anything that’s helped save time, money or sanity!
Araya: Outright. Ugh, I hated the full day that I had to dedicate to entering expenses, receipts. Once I found Outright accounting software I was able to streamline all of my financials and not have anxiety every month. I also use them to create and track invoices, very exciting.

 

 

LBC: Tell us about a pearl of wisdom someone has shared with you. Who said it and how did it help propel you forward?
Araya: Growing up my Mom always said “If there’s a will there’s a way” whenever things got hard, so I have adopted that motto for our family and my business and it has yet to fail me!

 

LBC: What is your favorite food?
Araya: PIZZA. Mmmm, someday I will build myself an outdoor pizza oven, pair that with our thriving veggie garden and I will never have to leave the back yard again.

 

 

LBC: Red or blue, which would you pick and why?
Araya: For sure: blue. I gravitate towards low key, natural tones. Blue also seems to be a fresh and soothing color. Red is way too bold, I am anything but bold.

 

LBC: Do you have a favorite quote?
Araya: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right,” sticks in my head as a reminder when I get doubtful or frustrated. It’s all about what you are willing to fight for.

 

 

 

Thank you, Araya, for sharing your beautiful home collection with us. Wishing you much continued success!

 

Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker Monday” series? Drop us a line: hello@luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!