We were lucky to catch up with Eboney Singleton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eboney , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have always been a creative, even as a child. So, one day an idea popped into my head to start a business. So, that’s what I did!

I started my small business during the wave of startup small businesses. However, I had the thought to cater to my creativity and showcase my skills through my crafts.

Honestly, I had no idea how to start a business nor where to look, but I knew I wanted to start as soon as possible. So, again that’s what I did.

I began to brainstorm all of these craft ideas. I was going to do this and do that, but then I realized, there actually had to be a need for what I was offering. That’s when I began to offer more and more things and eventually created The Bazaar.

I don’t want my business to be limited which is why it’s called The Bazaar. If I can do something or find something and it can be worth something to someone else, then I will add it to The Bazaar.

At the end of the day, I’m motivated by the people I cater to and I will be more successful with their support.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an Army Veteran and after serving 10 years on active duty, I felt a void. I had no idea what the void was, but I was sure it had something to do with missing being in the military.

Since leaving the military, I felt the need to occupy my mind and shift my focus on new things and new adventures. I have always been a creative, even as a child. So, one day an idea popped into my head to start a business. So, that’s what I did!

I create a wide variety of items from t-shirts, hats, mugs, to sublimation. I also offer products and merchandise from companies I’ve partnered with.

My crafts showcase’s my personality, but the other things that I offer are there for others to showcase their personalities.

Since the launch of my business, The Bazaar has branched out into several areas offering wellness resources that support mental health, a range of free veteran resources, and I’ve even added a blog dedicated to a plethora of topics for my readers.

I’m passionate about serving and helping people. When there is a need for something, I’d like to be able to provide that need all while doing something I enjoy. So, for me, my small business isn’t about seeing how much I can gain, but showing others how much I’m dedicated to ensuring their happiness.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being any kind of business owner is tough. However, being a small business is beyond tough.

I’ve gone into business with no knowledge of anything pertaining to business. This has led to me taking a lot of financial hits, enduring a lot of stress, and making a lot of mistakes.

However, I have a legacy to leave behind as I come from a small family. We relied heavily on government assistance and spent a lot of time shopping thrift. In other words we were poor.

So, I haven’t always had the best of things nor could I ever afford much of anything I’ve ever wanted.

Needless to say, I’ve gone months without sales or visits to my website. I’ve fought through so much to get to this point. So, starting a business is about more than financial freedom. It’s about showing how resilient you can be.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I am a people pleaser. Therefore, I spend a lot of time catering to people and what they want.

One day I had a customer order a dress. Months later after receiving the dress the customer complained saying that the strap was broken. I explained our policies and told her that the return timeframe had surpassed.

I tried to reason with her and even offered her and coupon for a significant amount off of her next purchase.

She was not satisfied and continued to say that we were at fault for the strap, and even takes the time to mention this on social media whenever she gets the chance.

Since then, I’ve come to the realization that you’re simply just not going to please everyone.

So, a lesson that I had to unlearn was being hard on myself when I didn’t make someone else happy. We only have one life to live and you can’t live it based on others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ladyvetcreativebazaar.com
• Instagram: Ladyvet007
• Facebook: Ladyvet007