Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenna Bridge, founder of BennyEddy Co., located in Toronto, Canada.

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

BennyEddy Co. is a small online shop where you can find carefully selected, created, and decorated pieces that all have an essence of nostalgia.

Whether it's the pattern I've chosen for the toddler pocket tees or the very carefully created dye pattern in the Campfire Collection, each brings back a particular memory for me (like my grandparents' floral couch and curtains or the many evenings in my backyard at the fire pit roasting marshmallows....) - I hope these patterns spark some memories for you too!

Tell us about yourself

I started my business just after I had just given birth to my son ( Benjamin Edward - the company's namesake). Over mat leave, I was craving a creative outlet. I started with a sewing machine and began decorating some of my son's clothing with patches and pockets... and to my surprise, they turned out really well!

As a little side project, I opened an Etsy shop and started to put anything I made there. It was a real smorgasbord of items with no real direction. It took me some time to hone in on what I really loved making and, in turn, what people loved buying! From there, I moved to a real website with a true focus on Pocket Tees and the Campfire Collection.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment thus far is just the fact that I have repeat customers! It's a small accomplishment, but the fact that people come back to my online shop to purchase over and over really makes me feel accomplished!

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

The highs are high, and the lows are low... and you never know what it will be week to week. It's staying positive when all signs point to 'maybe this won't work.' Believing it will work, remembering that people do love what you're doing and your product, and most of all, believing in yourself and your product.

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

  1. Really lean into the thing, or item you enjoy most. Give it focus and time, and let it grow organically through your passion.
  2. Branding is important. Invest in a designer to create you a logo, some brand guidelines like colours, fonts to use, etc... be clear in your vision. Know your focus, know your brand aesthetic and tone and make sure everything you do leads up to that.
  3. Get out there! Tell everyone what you're doing. Do markets - any market! Brag about your business on your socials. Be your own biggest cheerleader.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Give it time and be gentle with yourself through moments of doubt.
It's hard work to grow a business. Be committed to the process, and don't forget to have fun with it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bennyeddyco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennyeddyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyeddyco/

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.