10 questions with the Prideletics founder
Paul, Prideletics Founder (photo by Tracy Walsh)
Author: Cha Her
In this Q&A with the founder of Prideletics, Paul, we will explore the vision behind the brand and how the pandemic affected the business. It’s been a wonderful time being one of Prideletics interns and we thought this would be a great conversation to close out the internship.
1. How has the coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted your business?
"In 2020, it impacted the supply chain early on mainly because the production facility we worked with for our gear was tackling the logistics of keeping going during a global pandemic. Those that were working couldn't work in the same place as social distancing was in effect. Things were backed up from the tee suppliers to the printing process so turnaround times became extreme. With the business, being communicative was the most important thing to do here and slowly over time, things got caught up and back to normal after a year."
2. What kind of support has helped during that phase?
"I have a mentor I talk to every other week who has guided me on everything in the business, from business strategy to finances. We’ve been talking for a few years now and it’s always a delight to catch up on life while also keeping eyes on goals for the business. My husband has also been super helpful in keeping me motivated and driven. More recently, I've had a good group of interns that helps keep me on track and provide value to the business. All the support from all sorts of groups has really been valuable."
3. What did you learn from the pandemic as a small business owner?
"The biggest thing I've learned is that every business, big or small, struggled with the same thing. They struggled with keeping their employees safe while also keeping their business going. Fortunately, mine is a small side business of my own so it wasn't detrimental to my finances, but it helped me remember that empathy in these moments is important. Everyone was facing their own problems business-wise while the world was facing a pandemic."
4. Why did you decide to start your own business?
"I started my own business because I was looking for something that I was passionate about and learned from because my day job wasn't fulfilling. In my day job, I do a lot of analytics when it comes to digital communication. This work with my business is more on the other side of marketing and communication. Actually marketing, content creating, and building a brand of my own has been a blast. No approvals, no long processes, just me!”
5. What makes your business unique?
"It hits a market of audiences that are only generally talked to once a month by large businesses. Before starting my business five years ago, the only time you saw a rainbow in stores was during pride month. As part of that community, we shouldn't just be celebrated in June but all year round."
6. Was there a time you wanted to quit? And how did you deal with that situation or overcome it?
"Yes, Covid was especially hard. It's a business I'm super proud of, but it's a lot of work. A lot of learning about finances, taxes, and law. It tested my motivation to see where I envision my business in my life."
7. Favorite thing about being an owner?
"My favorite thing about being an owner is the flexibility I have with my business. The business could grow as fast as I want it to and can also slow down if I need a break. It generally goes at my pace which is good, but there are also some cons to that. If I don’t spend time on it, it won’t grow. What keeps me coming back is the fun I have making new designs, coming up with social content, planning photoshoots and so on. The freedom is the most exciting part.”
8. Biggest regret, if any?
"I wish I had more time to spend on the business. I know the business can grow faster and bigger if I spent every minute of the day on it, but my day job can be demanding, family is important to regularly see, as is spending time with my friends and doing my favorite hobbies.”
9. What's the dream? What's the end game?
"The dream is… I don't know, honestly. Do I want to be super big like other large sports brands…maybe? Am I fine having a full-time career elsewhere and running this for fun? As I get bigger, I know the more stressed I become and the more demanding it'll become. So I think that it's important to know. Realistically, I'm happy where it's at, and I don't know the end game, but I’m along for the ride.”
10. What advice do you have for other small business owners?
"My biggest advice is to form a community that aligns with what you are trying to do. That community is full of your strongest advocates and will always be your customer. Why am I a huge fan of Target and Costco? Because of their great customer service, their great products, the social media presence and community they have. They have an impact on retail culture that aligns with me. That sense of community can be really impactful at the small business level. Create your community and sales will follow.”
I hope this blog gave you all a better understanding of the business and who Paul is. It briefly touches on behind the scene of business and methods of applying real-world skills. I sadly want to inform you that this will be my last blog post for Prideletics. It’s been amazing having Paul as a mentor and writing multiple blogs that reached you as an audience. If you have not checked out my other blogs, definitely do so!
Cha Her