We were lucky to catch up with Mishal Fanolua recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mishal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

At first I was very nervous to start sharing because I didn’t want to seem like my only intentions were to make money. However, my friends and family have been more supportive than I could have ever imagined. I can always count on them to share, refer and be the first ones to purchase. I am very fortunate to be able to share art with my friends and know that my pieces are somewhere they will be loved and appreciated.

Mishal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a wife and mother to two amazing children that have helped shaped me into my current version of myself. I served in the U.S. Army for 6 years and once I got out in January of 2022, I was searching for something I could do for myself outside of being a stay at home mother. I bought a small $20 wood-burner from a craft store and very quickly discovered that the art came fairly easily to me. Once I upgraded my tool, the art started really coming to life. My favorite part of my business is making someone else’s vision come to life and to create with the intention of showing someone that they are loved. I am very intentional about my art and the different ways that I can incorporate small details to really make a gift special. My business name is “Nothing but Alofa” and Alofa is the Samoan word for love because I just want to spread love through my art. I’m so grateful to be in a community that allows me that opportunity.

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

Word of mouth has been incredible for my business, specifically from other small business owners. I currently have a booth at a local, from-scratch, amazing restaurant Wild Flour Bake Shop that has brought me incredible opportunities and I couldn’t be more proud to be associated with them.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I try to be as genuine and transparent as possible because I believe that kindness is the easiest way to spread love. I have built a solid group of friends around me that I believe in and vice versa. With having genuine friends around me, I believe that’s the best reputation builder.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Nothingbutalofacreations
• Facebook: Nothing but Alofa

Image Credits
Photos by Paj