Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Fard, Owner of Cute as a Button Girl, located in Newmarket, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We have an online shop selling buttons, magnets, keychains, and many more. From scratch, we can design something unique, or our customers can choose from one of our many types of artwork. There are brick-and-mortar stores that also sell our products. Everyone loves a good button!
Tell us about yourself
Our hobby to home business was born from the idea of a child with big dreams. Often, this girl pushes her parents' buttons to see how far it can take her. We custom design buttons, magnets, charms, zipper pulls, and keychains with your logo, artwork, text, or photo. We also make earrings now 💓
Cute Button Girl was Cristiana’s idea in 2019. 💡 At first, we were skeptical as we tried it out, getting our feet wet, and then 2020 came, the Covid meteor hit— things got boring, and we got more serious about our adventure.
I do the artwork, being a graphic designer, and Cristiana does the rest… we step in and help a lot because her plate is full with school, play, and extracurricular activities. After all, she’s only a kid CEO— Child Optimist Entrepreneur.
We are proud to say our items can be found at a store in Newmarket called “The Maker’s Mark,” and people can also purchase through Etsy.
“When I’m not pushing my parents' buttons, I make them.” - Cristiana.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is giving back to our community. We have three designs whereby if one purchases a button, magnet, keychain, etc., $1 from every single purchase goes towards one of our charities. We’ve raised over 800 in 3 years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is to keep going when it gets overwhelming. Social media plays a big role in our business, and we’ve come across many “not so nice” accounts. Cyberbullying exists and can lead to real-life complications.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It’s not easy! It’s not a 9-5 job, either. You must be able to dedicate yourself full time and learn how to juggle everything. You need to love it and give it your all. Dedication and hard work pay off! It’s fun to meet other small businesses and watch them grow with you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/cutebuttongirl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutebuttongirl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutebuttongirl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CuteButtonGirl1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicafard/
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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