Mr. & Mrs. Independent- Katrina Alana

I have something a little bit different for you today! Plus, it is extra special as I think you might just find what you have been looking for this year for Valentine's Day! Today's Miss Independent is actually featuring Lex and Katrina Alana, a married couple from Singapore who run the cutest stationary store called none other than Katrina Alana!

(Aren't they cute?)

Their store features wax seals and baker's twine for custom making your own cards

1. What made you decide to start your own business? (what was your biggest factor that helped you commit to the decision)

We’ve always dreamed of owning a business. It was just a matter of deciding what to sell and how much capital we needed to put up. We decided to sell stuff we also liked so if we had excess inventory or supplies we wouldn’t mind as much and when we saw that there was growth in the business we decided to commit to growing it further by investing more time and capital.

2. What was your biggest risk or fear about starting a business?

Since we were newlyweds when we started the business, we didn’t really have a lot of spare cash and we were afraid that we would run out of capital for our operations and supplies.


 3. How did you know what you wanted to do?

We tried other small business ventures but it wasn’t the right fit for our personalities. Like most crafters we had tons of ideas and we just had to concentrate on narrowing it down and doing things one step at a time. So now we are concentrating on our seals and stationery.

4. What support system do you have for your business?

Currently in our business, the both of us consult each other and share the workload from designing products, processing orders, to doing the accounting. Our families also help out when we need an extra hand in coordinating with some of our suppliers. We are also active in the Singapore Etsy team, wherein we share ideas and inspire each other with our crafts.

5. Do you have a "real" job to supplement income, or are you self-sufficient?

Yes, we have regular day jobs and do our business during our free time.

6. What is the biggest advice someone gave you? (OR what advice do you have for someone trying to start a business)

Katrina: Putting up a business is a risk but risks can be managed if you put in the effort to understanding your customers and developing your products. Read books, websites and blogs. Business is not all about crafting and production alone so you shouldn’t focus on that aspect alone. You also need to work on marketing, accounting and so many other things too. The information you get from these references will help accelerate the growth of your business. Your business will only grow as fast as you can learn and adapt.

Lex: My dad always told me that the best way to learn business is to try it out, experience is the best teacher.

P.S. Katrina Alana also has a great giveaway going on right now

Also, Check out this cute free printable they made

A huge, huge thank you to Lex and Katrina! Be sure to stop by their amazing store or their blog! They seriously have some of the cutest craft supplies!
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Also the winner of my Paris Giveaway is Breeanna!!! And a big thanks to those of you who were sweet enough to fill out my survey :)