We were lucky to catch up with Hilka Zelaya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hilka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My first client was from Etsy . I decided to make a Etsy to start sharing what I make and for customer to find me . My very first order was a custom word letter of One theme Moana . I was so happy when I saw the notification and couldn’t believe it that someone actually bought from my shop . It was a amazing feeling.

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

Im a mom and I have 3 beautiful boys .my business was created because of them , I love to decorate my boys birthday and make it look beautiful. My husband was the idea to make it a side job which I thought about it a lot was very insecure but decided to take a leap of faith. My business was created I started by making custom letter for kids birthday few months later realizing how much I love crafting now I make custom shirts,can glass tumbler and brought in croc charms . I love my customer ,I love hearing my customer opinions if my shop what I should do better, what I should bring . I love satisfying my customer.I tried to give the best customer service and to really hear what my customer needs and want from me .I think what sets me aside from other business is that I do this with love , I put my whole heart into my business. To me is about meeting new and just seeing people smile and telling .you have beautiful items .

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being a mom of 3 Boys and being a full time job and having a small business is not easy at all . You can I say I do overtime. It is extremely hard to run a small business. There’s has been so many times I wanted to quite and just give up because I felt like no one was seeing my product no one really like my items .no sale was coming in and I just had so much inventory that I just felt like it wasn’t for me no more . But the community of small business is such amazing .I have met so many amazing people that they remind and me and tell me is okay and to just keep going because they as well go through their doubts .

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I think the best source of new customers have been going to pop up ,markets ,bazaar . I have meet so many new people .which at the moment they don’t buy but later they reach out and become customer . That’s also when’re I have had clients that just becomes regular customer to my shop . I think doing pop is a good way for meeting new customers

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jmrmakers
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmrmakers/
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@jmrmakers