We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Liu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking or decision-making is an inherent part of small business life. As a small business owner, stakes are greater because of limited funding and time as we try to expand our business. We spent countless hours discussing about the pros and cons of different choices and how it will impact our business in the short-term and long-term. It could be about which craft faire to attend or which product line or scents should we expand to next. Preparation is the key in making an educated decision, we do our research on upcoming trends and we ask around within our vendor circle to see which craft faire might be worth investing our time and money into.

We think it is important to keep in mind that every risk and decision you make is also a learning opportunity. If we did not do well at a certain craft faire, we spend the time to think about why so that we can make a better decision next time. It is this continuous learning process that helps to grow and develop our brand

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business is called Kyler Handcrafts and Gifts. I see the business as two sides. The Handcraft side specializes in hand-made goods such as candles, reed diffusers and perfume. The Gifts side focuses on small items that people use every day such as hair clips, scrunchies and keychains. Together, I want to provide our customers with high quality products that can accentuate their daily life and bring a sense of southern California lifestyle to their homes.

Over the past two years, Kyler Handcrafts and Gifts have grown and expanded. We went from just selling hand-made candles to now offering various products in the scent and accessories area. We expanded our sales channel from just in-person at craft shows to now online, consignment and whole-sale. We even started traveling to the bay area for some craft fairs and meeting the hand-craft community up there. It has not been easy, between prepping products, to social media, to managing supply and cashflow, there were hardly any time to step back and recognize the progress we’ve made. We definitely learned that as a small business owner, time management is the key to make sure everything works. It means making difficult decisions, taking the necessary risks and always moving forward.

Ultimately, I want to thank all of our customers that supported us and spend the effort to see us at all the craft show we attend. Small businesses are fun and that comes from meeting all of you and hearing how much you enjoyed our products. We would not be where we are without the support from all of you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If it’s their first time in LA, I would definitely reserve three days to visit all the usual tourist sites. Universal Studios, Getty museum, Hollywood signs etc… LA would not be LA without all the bright lights and shows.

One day would be reserved for Disneyland, because everyone should go to Disneyland

Smorgasburg market in ROW DTLA is a fun place to visit for some food and shopping. It is truly a city within a city,

As for food and drinks, we love k-town and would hit up Sun Nong Dan for their famous Galbi Jjim, Half n Half Boba Tea Express for their extra large boba teas and try out Chubby Cattle for their AYCE Japanese beef. To finish out the week, we would spend some well deserved relaxation time at Wi-Spa, to get scrubbed down and feel renewed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank my husband Jeff for always being supportive of my small business dream and making the time to help out even though you have a full time job of your own. You are the IT, the accountant, the mover, the driver and the other half of my small business.

Website: kylerhandcrafts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylerthebrand/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylerthebrand

Other: https://www.faire.com/brand/b_srrh9t6vxz

Image Credits
Yin Liu

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