Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Oleg Mykhaylov, CEO of Casa Di Luce, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Casa Di Luce is a luxury lighting showroom and e-commerce store based in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in modern lighting and home decor. We work on residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across North America and source beautiful, unique lighting products from over 100 lighting brands.
Our customers include homeowners, interior designers, builders, contractors, and design studios. We welcome clients into our flagship showroom in Toronto's Design District, as well as offer virtual consultations and appointments for clients located outside of the city.
Tell us about yourself
In 1998, I started a furniture business in my hometown in Ukraine with two business partners. We worked with many designers and famous furniture brands from Italy and France and were able to travel to Milan Design week, as well as other trade shows during this time to bring the best in furniture design to Ukraine. The business did well and scaled to over six showrooms across the country.
After my family and I ultimately planted our roots in Toronto, Canada, we were eager to start a business in the design field once again. We began to explore the lighting industry and, using many of the connections we had already built, opened a lighting showroom in the city.
What motivates me each and every day is the ongoing process of discovering new manufacturers to work with. Growing our product assortment and client base and bringing the newest and best European design trends to Canada.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing projects with very special clients come to life. Spending months selecting lighting and furniture together, tackling design challenges, and creating such unique spaces together brings me so much joy and gratitude.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a family business, our team is small and very close. One of the most challenging aspects is having team members who have worked with the company for a while move on to new challenges in their careers. We are always very happy and supportive of all team members, but it's always very sad and sentimental to see them go!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Work in the industry prior to starting your business. Learn the ins and outs of the area you are looking to start a business in, build connections, and gain experience in other companies.
- Learn to deal with stress and be resilient towards new challenges and changes in the market. If you don't learn to adapt to changes, you may fall behind.
- Once you reach certain goals you set for yourself, always look to set new ones and keep growing. This will keep you motivated, inspired, and excited about your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.casadiluce.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadiluce/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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