Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Ritter.
Hi Holly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always felt this desire to do something on my own. My grandpa started his own business and ran it for many years alongside my uncle, who now owns and continues to run the business. So, I guess I get my entrepreneurial spirit honestly.
Over the years, I’ve started and stopped several side hustles because nothing really seemed to fit. In December 2020, I was looking around for some gifts for friends and stumbled upon some bracelet stacks. Rather than buying them, I thought, “Hey, I could probably do this myself.” I have always enjoyed being creative, so a trip to Michael’s and $43 later, I posted some of the designs on social media to gauge interest. To my surprise, people encouraged me to try selling the bracelets I had made. Normally, I would have overthought this and come up with excuses as to why I couldn’t or shouldn’t do this, but for some reason, I went for it and hit post on a Facebook online sale Dec. 16, 2020. I sold out of bracelets in a couple hours and was completely overwhelmed by the support from family and friends.
I’ve had a lot of small business ideas over the years, but making bracelets was never one of them. I’m not sure what about this idea was the push I needed to get over my fears – fear of what people would think, fear of not knowing what I was doing, fear of not being creative or original enough – but something just clicked. I am incredibly grateful to my family, friends, and other small business women in Columbus, who have supported, encouraged, and guided me along the way.
More than pretty bracelets, I hope my small business can serve as inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs to move through their own fears and self-doubt to pursue their own goals and dreams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have to be honest, I had no idea what I was doing or how to run a small business when I started, so that is anxiety-inducing in and of itself.
I’m only into this gig about a year and a half, and there are still so many things to learn, but I have incredible support from other women, small business owners in and around Columbus, who have been in my shoes and are more than willing to answer questions and guide me along the way. This has given me the confidence to say “yes” to new opportunities, and with each new experience, I feel more and more confident to say “yes” to the next.
There is a lot of trial and error in small business ownership, in my experience – from testing out new designs and learning what customers like to being a vendor at different markets around the city and finding ways to engage with your customers that resonate. I tend to be a perfectionist, so I’m also learning to let go of expectations and just be open to learning along the way, which is challenging but also incredibly rewarding and freeing.
Every road has some bumps in it, I think it’s really all about the mindset with which you choose to navigate them. What I have learned is don’t be afraid to ask for help. The small business community in Columbus is amazing and they want to see you succeed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Festive Bead Co. is a small business I run in my free time. I am a full-time marketing and communications director for a private hospital medicine group in Columbus. Currently, I have no plans to make my small business my full-time gig. What I appreciate about having a small business is the opportunity to learn something new, tap back into the creative side of my brain, tap into my entrepreneurial spirit, and meet and support other women, small business owners.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve been incredibly lucky in my life. My parents were very young when they had me and taught me so many valuable lessons that are reflected in my work ethic, passion, and drive today. I’m lucky to have the support of my family and friends to pursue my small business. I think I’m lucky that all my other small business ventures and ideas didn’t work out to make way for something that finally clicked for me.
Pricing:
- Adult bracelets are $12-$15
- Kids’ bracelets are $8
- DIY kids’ bracelet kits are $20
- Pricing is variable for DIY bracelet-making parties for adults and kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: thefestivebeadco.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thefestivebeadco (@thefestivebeadco)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefestivebeadco
Image Credits
Sarah Mallory
