From Garage to Global: How One Entrepreneur Built a Thriving Business from Scratch
When Maria Lopez launched her handmade jewelry business in her parents’ garage in 2018, she had little more than a passion for design and a desire to be her own boss. By 2025, she had grown her brand, Lopez Originals, into a small enterprise employing 12 people and shipping products worldwide. Her journey offers practical takeaways for beginners and small and medium business owners alike.Here are the key strategies Maria used:Start with what you know: Maria leveraged her background in graphic design to create unique patterns and branding, reducing initial costs.Validate before investing heavily: She sold at local markets and online via Etsy to test designs and price points before committing to large inventory orders.Bootstrap wisely: She reinvested profits instead of taking loans, keeping ...