Starting a Craft Products Company

Interview with Organic Transformations Founder Christine Cortez

Gourd art is a popular pastime in the crafting world, but it takes some talent to do what Christine Cortez is doing. She's taken gourd art to a higher level, selling gourd purses, gourd jewelry boxes and more.

Here's a great addition to our growing collection of inspiring entrepreneur interviews.

We talk with entrepreneur Christine Cortez about how she started her company, Organic Transformations.

Tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?

At Organic Transformations, we create gourd art business card holders, purses, jewelry boxes, art pieces, and sculptures.

When did you start the business and where is your business located?

We started in 2008. We are based in Anaheim, California.

What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?

This is my first business. I was doing home repair prior to this.

Where did you get the startup money?

All of the startup money came out of pocket.

Who are your main competitors? How do you compete against them?

The main competitors are gourd artists who have been doing this for a very long time.

I compete against them by taking this art to a totally different level; by doing what no one else has done.

How has your experience in running the business been different from what you expected?

With the economy going the way it is, it is a lot slower than anticipated.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently?

I wish we had started sooner.

What have you done that has been very effective in helping to grow the business?

I have been very persistent and have spent immense time and energy toward reaching my goal.

What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?

Learn what dedication is. Be humble and honest.

That's great advice. Thanks so much for sharing your entrepreneurial experience with us, and good luck in growing your business.

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