Autsome Brushes was founded in 2018 by My partner Eric and I . The Brush company was inspired by the neurodevelopmental disability called Autism (ASD) , Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. Autism can affect one's cognitive ability, their age appropriate skill level and social and sensory skills. Autism has become apart of our life everyday life since March of 2018, when our daughter was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autsome Brushes were designed to bridge the gap between those who are unfamiliar with autism and those who are diagnosed with autism, The company's mission is to bring autism awareness to the entire community including, neighbors, customers, family, friends and even other home improvement contractors and painters. Autsome Brushes was created in order to help support organizations that support other families and individuals with Autism and to help encourage and assist those in need who live with ASD. Autsome Brushes donates a 5% portion of its revenue, to various non-profit organizations that provide support to individuals diagnosed with autism. As of 2019 Autsome Brushes has donated to over 5 non profit organizations within the state of PA and has been shipped to over 17 different cities, state and even countries. Over the past year in business, Autsome brushes has received numerous positive reviews from painters all over the world.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?
What ignited the spark in me to start a second business was the lack of awareness and knowledge that many human beings across the world have for autism. The fact that we already had a painting company, We felt as though applying a second layer to the organization, that would also supply other painters with brushes that are backed with a purpose was a brilliant idea and we simply went for it.
How did the idea for your business come about?
The idea came from our daughter being diagnosed in 2018 with mild autism, in which we wanted to bridge a gap between our personal life and our world life, we agreed to collaborated the painting aspect and the autism aspect and build a brand that would influence positivity and awareness within our community.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
the biggest initial hurdles was time and dedication. I was working a fulltime job when we branded our companies, in which I was limited on time and wasn’t able to fully dedicate myself to marketing, networking and collaborating with other entrepreneurs and families within the same field and/or situation as us.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
A book I am currently reading is called Social Magnetism by Ben Chai, I would definitely recommend this book for those who want to learn how to network in a non-traditional way, that is not awkward or uncomfortable.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Yes I have, I have had disagreements from others saying that I wouldn't be able to pursuit a business and be a mom, that it would be too hard for me or impossible, I tend to not take that type of criticism to serious, I feel as though others will try and limit you and your dreams, because they have limited their own. I honestly wouldn't do anything different, i would stand on my word and keep believing in myself as much as I did before.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
I think the single most influential factor has been my children, they motivate me, I have to set an example for them and show them, that the corporate world isn't the only way to make money, the path to wealth and comfort can be walked on through entrepreneurship as well.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I can say that i definitely know a lot more about business credit now after research and reading as well as hands on learning. When we first started our business, we were funding everything out of pocket and did not know much about separating personal funds and credit, from our business funds and credit, but we have lived and learned.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
The best advice I can give it make sure you are 100% ready and be sure to have total faith in your craft being a business owner and or entrepreneur can test your patience, your sanity, and even your faith, some days are stressful and hard and it may seem as if you have taken 10 steps ahead and 15 backwards, but one thing for sure is it gets greater later, keep pushing, keep being strong and believe in yourself.
