Miss Independent with Confetti Sunshine

Today's Miss Independent is the super sweet Sara Schmutz of Confetti Sunshine!

Confetti Sunshine is an online party store that offers cupcake liners, party bags, balloons and much more! Everything in her shop is adorable, and would be perfect for your next party! Her blog also offers fun printables and DIY's you can use, as well as offers creative ideas with her supplies.

What I'm Loving from Confetti Sunshine:

1. What made you decide to start your own business?

As crazy as it sounds, I think getting pregnant with my 2nd daughter was my biggest motivation to start my own business. I used to work from home as a freelance graphic designer, but in that career I was spending too much time on the computer. My family is my most important priority, so I wanted to have a career that could involve my 2 adorable little girls. Party planning and supplies is a perfect fit for my family. I am extremely blessed to have such wonderful shop.

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

I would love to say that it wasn't failing - but it was. It is amazing how we let such a little thing - like not being able to succeed - control how we live our lives. I have always been more afraid of failing than anything else.

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

I have always loved parties, design, & children. Naturally a party supply shop should have seemed like a obvious choice, yet it has taken me a long time to figure this out. How I finally came to the decision was through a lot of exploring. I have started a number of different companies, but found myself moving away from them after time because I wasn't truly passionate about them. Things all fell into place when I started Confetti Sunshine, and I haven't looked back since.

4. What support system do you have for your business to help you stay motivated?

My husband is my biggest support system. All I have to do is tell him what I need to get done, and he makes sure that everything else is taken care of. I couldn't do it without him. My daughters are my main source of inspiration and motivation, they help remind me why celebrating life's moments are so important. My parents have also been critical in my business - they have help with the financing and have helped get me set up and organized. They are the reason I was able to open the shop.

5. What is your biggest challenge about running your own business?

Staying balanced. I tend to be a little extreme with my hobbies. When I start something I usually don't want to do anything else until it is perfect. This is my biggest challenge. If I work too much, the creativity and fun get sucked right out of what I am doing. I find that when I am getting frustrated at not being able to accomplish any work, that is the moment when I need to stop working and run out and play with my daughters. I have scheduled times in the day for work. I make a to do list and accomplish what I can, and leave the rest for tomorrow. It is so hard to not write that "one last email"- but living your own life and making your own family memories is priceless. 

6. What is the best advice you have for someone wanting to start a business?

I would love everyone to not be afraid of failing. Failing will happen, but that is how we learn and grow. I love the quote - "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" That is how I am living my life and running my business. Try something new. Do what you love. Don't try to be someone else. Everyone has a place in this world, and you can only find yours by being yourself and exploring.

Such great encouraging advice, don't you agree? And be sure to check out her lovely shop. You won't regret it!