Meet Susan Kaczorowski | Wife, Mother, Business Owner

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

Hi Susan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a small business owner, thinking about risk is a crucial aspect of managing my business effectively. Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats to my business’s success. Here are some considerations and strategies I take when thinking about risk:

I start by identifying potential risks that could affect my business. These risks can be internal or external and may include financial, operational, strategic, or reputational risks. Once I’ve identified potential risks, assess their likelihood and impact. I determine which risks are most significant and which ones require my immediate attention. I also need to think about how much risk am I willing to take to achieve my goals. It’s important that I develop a strategy to reduce the impact of the risk this could include appropriate insurance coverage, financial planning, and staying informed about industry regulations, compliance and legal obligations. I regularly monitor the risk landscape and adjust strategies as needed.

It’s essential to strike a balance between taking calculated risks to drive growth and protecting my business from potential pitfalls. While some risks are inherent in entrepreneurship, effective risk management can help me make informed decisions and increase the chances of my small business’s long-term success.

Taking risks can play a significant role in shaping success and growth. Risk-taking can lead to both opportunities and challenges, and its impact can vary.

Not all risks lead to success, and some can result in failure or setbacks. Starting a business while still working full time, being a wife, and a mother comes with a lot of risk. I have become more resilient and and have learned to be adaptable with the challenges I have faced wether it be as a business owner, a wife or a mother. It has opened many doors for me that has helped me network and has enabled me to a more present wife, mother, and business owner. Taking risks gives me a sense of accomplishment no matter if I succeeded or if I have failed.

Taking risks is an inherent part of life. While it can lead to both rewards and setbacks, it is necessary to achieve our goals wether it is for personal growth or for a career/business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My husband and I started Cleveland Kustom Creations in December of 2017. We started out with a cricut cutter and have expanded into sublimation, DTF, and Embroidery. In October of 2018 I lost my job and with the encouragement of my husband we decided to take a risk and have me take over the business full time. Getting to where we are now wasn’t and still isn’t easy. Every growth comes with challenges, and many lessons. I have spent countless hours learning, researching, practicing to become a master in my craft. I have failed countless times but with every failure comes a lesson. I have learned I am stronger than I think I am. That mistakes are an opportunity for improvement.
Our business believes in offering that 1 of a kind item you cannot find in stores. We offer the old fashion customer service that a lot of companies have gotten away from. When a customer calls, emails, or messages us they deal with a real person. I create all designs myself and always make sure it is exactly what the customer wants. I am proud of our Kustom quality.

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?
My husband and I always love showing off our city! There is something for everyone in Cleveland. We would definitely go to one of the Metroparks and check out the beautiful views, head over to Edgewater take a picture at the Cleveland sign and take a walk and enjoy the lakefront. We would head over to the Flats enjoy some food and drinks along the water. I would suggest a trip to the Zoo, and check out the West Side Market. You can never go wrong with visiting any of our museums or gardens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My tribe my family. I have learned through life that not all family is blood. I have been blessed to be able to surround myself with some of the most amazing people.

My husband Dan pushes me everyday to to be the best version of me that I can be. He is always there to listen, give advice or a helping hand.

My kids Corvin and Tessa, these 2 kids are why I work so hard. I want show them hard work pays off and no matter what life puts in front of you you can accomplish anything you put your heart and mind into.

My sisters Kareen and Shawn, my niece Amber and nephew Ricky have always been by my side loving me and supporting me no matter what, they have given me strength throughout the many challenges in my life.

My Kaz family, not everyone can say that they married into an amazing family but I can. From my in laws, to Aunts, Uncles and Cousins they have encouraged me, loved me, inspired me, and have always been there to listen or give sound advice.

Last but not least friends. My husband and I have surrounded ourselves with amazing people. Our friends have been with us through the highs and lows of our life, business and personal.

These people have all had a part in shaping me into who I am today.

Website: www.clevelandkustomcreations.com

Instagram: @clevelandkustomcreations

Facebook: @clevelandkustomcreations