Meet Alison Hepner of Akron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Hepner.

Hi Alison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my small business journey in College. I started my first Etsy shop, not long after Etsy itself was first introduced. That shop was called A. Nieman Crochet. This later transitioned into A. Nieman Design after I received my BA in Residential Design. As I was working in my career in Design, I felt the desire to try and create a more sustainable small business that encompassed my love for design, crochet, and my love for sustainable/eco-friendly living. In 2017, I started the Everyday Limes Etsy shop. It was mostly my handmade items and it was very much a work in progress.

After a huge transition of getting a divorce and starting over, Everyday Limes took a break as I got my life back on track and re-focused. But after a few years and the devastating news of my mom being diagnosed with cancer, I decided to revisit Everyday Limes with a more concentrated focus, as life is short, and I didn’t want to regret not giving my dream of small business ownership a full chance.

Switching my focus, I started doing craft shows. This is where I met Sheena of JG Promotions and her business partner, Jackie. These ladies were wonderful! So accepting and so much fun to work with. I joined the team about a year later and love working along side them to help put together craft and vendor events.

Everyday Limes is still a work in progress (as all small businesses are), focusing on Handmade, Upcycled, Recycled, and Sustainable living products. I offer a variety of items to help anyone on their journey to a more sustainable life. I am also working on creating an online magazine that highlights the sustainable way of life and design.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, but I don’t think anyone really has a smooth road. We all have our struggles. I think it is how you handle them and push through. In the early years of Everyday Limes, I went through a pretty intense divorce that caused me to have to start from scratch and rebuild my life. Last year, I lost my mom to cancer, and no one can really prepare you for that sort of grief and everything that goes along with a parent passing away. So I have had some setbacks, and am I where I want to be? No but I am still working towards the goal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally, I am an Interior Designer. I work as a part-time Design consultant for Arhaus.

I primarily consider myself a Fiber Artist (focusing on crochet)

I am also a reclaimed materials artist, furniture refurbisher, and I dabble in a bunch of other crafting and art styles.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think my biggest advice to someone starting out is that this is a journey. There is no such thing as an overnight success. There are years of experience that lead someone to become successful. Also, don’t be afraid to try. It’s okay to fail, and you will. Failing is how you learn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.everydaylimes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaylimes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydaylimes
• Twitter: https://x.com/everydaylimes
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/everydaylimes