Business: Livvy’s Little Laboratory
Owner: Olivia Wappler
Tell us about yourself and your business:
My name is Livvy, I make weird little plushies and obscure fabric items, all handmade. I tend to stick on the spooky side of the stuff I make but I’m always up for an artistic challenge. Sewing is my passion as well as my hobby, that I’ve been able to turn into a small side business. I spend my regular business hours working as a full-time aerospace mechanic. Obviously, working with my hands is very important to me.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to make something unique, custom, and one of a kind. Something that hasn’t been commercialized by those big box stores. I wanted to make something that people would look at, and say “wow this is so unique and nobody else has this item.” I’ve been sewing since I was a kid, but the business side took off when I had friends who wanted special made items for special occasions. It’s blossomed and grown into something really fun and special now.
What’s it like being a female business owner here in the Stateline?
Being a female business owner in this area is really empowering. The support from other small businesses has been tremendous. Almost everybody is so helpful and supportive of each other. With the exception of the random gate keepers here and there. But mostly, it’s been full of support and everybody I’ve worked with has been so incredible.
What advice would you give to a woman wanting to start her own business?
The biggest and best advice I have gotten was from a very important person in my life, I was debating on what I should do with the business one day when I wasn’t feeling confident, and I was scared to take a step further in the journey. This person said to me “You’ll miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don’t take.” And that has stuck with me. When I’m scared, I always say to myself “I’ll miss out on the whole experience if I don’t take the chance” because in life, it’s all a learning process. This is my favorite advice for when things get overwhelming.
Who or what has been your biggest support system as a female business owner in the community?
My biggest support has been other small businesses and amazing customers in the community. They word- -of-mouth support, sharing things on social media, and other female small businesses. The constant support for everyone has made it a really wonderful journey.
What are the biggest challenges/advantages to being a female business owner?
The biggest challenges are staying on trend with what’s the latest and greatest. For me personally, it’s juggling a full-time career while also working on making my small business dreams a success too.
Facebook.com/livvyslittlelaboratory
Instagram.com/livvyslittlelaboratory
