Emma Claire Thompson, a sophomore finance and marketing double major, is the owner of The Etc. Shop. What started as a creative hobby has grown into a thriving small business fueled by her resourcefulness, entrepreneurial spirit and love for crafting meaningful, personalized products. The Etc. Shop offers custom apparel, stickers, cups and more.
What is the story of your business? How did it start?
My business, The etc. Shop, began when I received a Silhouette Cameo, which is a vinyl cutter, for Christmas. I did not intend to start a business when I asked for this machine. I began by making shirts and other items for friends and family as gifts. As time passed, people began asking me to make items for profit. As I started walking through this process as a completely clueless teenager, I began to fall in love with business. My business remained solely vinyl and was run from the floor of my bedroom for some years. I began to see a consistent trend of people desiring monogrammed items, which I could not do at the time. I started the process of looking for an embroidery machine which was a large financial undertaking for my small business. I started by purchasing a small machine with minimal capabilities. As embroidery began to dominate my business, I upgraded to a larger machine and later an even larger machine. In my business now, I can do vinyl, embroidery, and sublimation which are all used for different purposes. During that time I also saw the need for a website which required becoming an LLC. My business has grown substantially and is truly something I love doing.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
The most challenging part of launching my business is/was the lack of knowledge as well as finances I had going into it. I was a teenager who had no clue what I was doing. My family is not familiar with owning a business at all. As I would come across problems or things I was not sure about, I would have to research or use trial and error. Additionally, I had to grow very slowly due to only being able to fund what I could afford at the time. I feel like this built a solid foundation for my business and taught me so much as a young entrepreneur.
What is the goal behind your entrepreneurial pursuits? What do you envision for your business?
In the future, I would love to make my business something I could live off of. I would like to have my business as extra income or sole financial support if there came a time that was needed. Whether it is The etc. Shop as it is now or a completely different business, I do not think I will ever stray away from my love for entrepreneurship.
Does your business have a social mission or purpose? If so, explain how your business is redemptive in a Christlike manner?
My business is not technically a mission or non-profit based business. However, my business has allowed me to give back in ways I never thought possible. I have been able to provide school supplies to under privileged children, put on fundraisers for those struggling with medical bills, and many more. Sometimes my business provides the funds while other times it provides the tools. I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with the ability to serve His people in this unique way.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and/or Birmingham communities?
I would love to use my business to impact the Samford and/or Birmingham areas. I am not sure if this would look like my business providing me the flexibility to serve or if this would be something my business would provide the resources for. I am excited to see what this year holds as my business impacts the community.
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