Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gillian Hyde, founder of Pip Robins Accessories, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I'm the owner and maker of all things Pip Robins Accessories. I primarily focus on leather bags, ones you want to use because they're functional and beautiful. I share my process - both creative and the actual process on social media to entertain and educate thousands of people who are interested in learning how running a creative business works.

Tell us about yourself

Like many others, my business began when I had a small baby at home, and I needed to fill up naptime. I had immediate success (a very relative term). I focused on broadening my skill set, never being afraid to shift focus, and really rolling with the times. That remains my favourite thing about running Pip- my days have unlimited flexibility. I can take extra time off to be with my (now) teenager, and I'm my own boss.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Without question, the ability to quit my day job, which in turn meant that I could stop working hard for misogynistic men, find power in my vulnerability, to find community in the artisan world, be supported by my customers, and clients. Every single day is an accomplishment.

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

Besides the constant body pain from overuse (and aging), it's probably the pressure. There's no other source of income for me (no partner, no other job, etc.), and it all falls on my head. Living isn't cheap, especially nowadays, and if I don't perform well, I'm in trouble.

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

  1. Teach yourself as much as you can. Library books, YouTube videos, Pinterest. There are unlimited free resources out there.
  2. Use materials that exist in the world already. Upcycling and recycling are powerful and important.
  3. Never be afraid to shift focus, change with the times, or adapt to trends.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think the key factor is to love what you do. If you don't love it, you won't feel it. If you don't feel it, they'll know, and they won't buy. Be passionate. Learn. Change. And don't try to do it all: if you can outsource or delegate tasks that you don't enjoy, your time will be freed up so that you can fill more of your days with things that you love doing. Follow along with people who are chasing success and see what works for them. I hope you'll follow me!

Where can people find you and your business?

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

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.