Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Archambault, owner of Amy Lea Design, located in Red Deer, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We design and create personalized coco doormats. Whatever you want to bring to your front door, if it's sweet, sentimental, or totally sassy, we got you. We are a small, female-owned business that wants to help you add a personal and fun touch to your home or business. We sell something for everyone with doormats that include holiday mats, seasonal doormats, custom mats, hand-painted doormats, personalized business doormats, and so many more.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been crafty, and after months of looking for a funny doormat for our front door, I decided to make one. Once friends and family saw them, they wanted them too. After WAY more interest than anticipated, my husband told me to go big or go home. I ordered 200 doormats, took over his shop, and hoped that within the year, I'd sell out. Within weeks, I found myself sending doormats all over our province and ordering more mats. Knowing that people believed in my products and continue to laugh and smile when they see my mats are everything.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hearing that, I helped create something special for someone. From a special bridal shower gift for the bride to show off her new last name to the soon-to-be parents using a "Grandma" doormat to share their exciting news- being part of these big moments in people's lives is huge for me. Knowing that I make people laugh and smile daily is the best accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Balance. I think the hardest part is achieving any sort of healthy balance between work and your personal life. Even if you own a business that you feel passionate about, it is important to keep some sort of balance and distance between work and personal time. Especially if you run your business from your home. Running a business is always stressful, even if it is a huge part of your life and you love it; you need to separate it from your downtime. Taking breaks from work is so important, but it's hard to walk away completely when there isn't anybody else there to take those things on.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. You don't know how deep the water is unless you jump in.
  2. Own up to your mistakes.
  3. Don't take things personally.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Community is everything! Network, share, and ask for help. Having a community of like-minded small business owners in your circle is the best thing you can ever do!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.amyleadesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amylea.design
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylea.design/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.