Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leanne Dowdall, owner of Crafty Creatures, located in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
An arts & craft drop-in studio for all ages. We host birthday parties, drop-in crafting, day camps and have craft kits to take home for kids. For adults, we are fully licensed and host DIY workshops for you to attend with friends. Our customers are parents looking for something creative to do with their kids and adults looking for a night out.
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved making crafts, painting, and creating things. From a young age, I loved receiving craft kits as gifts! I have always enjoyed sewing, painting, and making things. I have a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Illustration from Sheridan College and experience in graphic design. I am motivated each day by creativity, whether making new marketing materials or deciding on new workshop designs in the studio.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting creative when the world changed due to Covid-19 has been one of my big accomplishments as a business owner. I recognized early that businesses and schools were going to be closed. Immediately an idea came to mind and in less than a week we had created kits to sell to keep kids entertained at home so their parents could still work. Our Keep'em Busy Box is still around and thanks to the assistance of my great staff, it's been one of the best achievements to date for Crafty Creatures.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling it all! I'm a very organized individual, but there is no way that I could do it all myself. So delegation is key. Having a great team working with me that I can rely on has allowed me to focus on the aspects of my business where I work best. It's something that I still feel I'm learning as I go since, as a small business owner, I'm also paying for anything I delegate. Recognizing where and when to delegate is key to success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get ready to make mistakes. It's okay, as you will learn from them. If you're not going in with your whole heart into it and are afraid to make mistakes, you'll never advance.
- Show up, work hard and never stop. Being a business owner is a roller coaster ride, but the rest will follow if you begin by showing up. Success comes to those who work hard, so be prepared to work!
- Nothing is more satisfying and challenging than running your own business. Balancing personal life & business is key. Have a great support system in your personal life that will help you with the balance.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're looking for something fun to do for yourself or the kids, Crafty Creatures is open for drop-ins and workshops in the Cambridge area. They ship various kits across Canada if you're further away, so go to www.craftycreatures.ca to support local today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://craftycreatures.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftycreatures
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftycreaturescambridge/
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.
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