Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corinne Kessel, principal of Greenscape Design & Decor Inc., located in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Greenscape Design and Decor, we make it easy to green your space! We provide thoughtfully designed, accessible, and sustainable replica trees, greenery, and preserved moss walls that connect live work and place spaces to nature. We work with interior designers, architects, landscape architects, property managers, event designers, and the film industry to bring bespoke greenery and memorable foliated settings to any space.
We are a proud woman-owned business that aims to continuously expand the diversity of Greenscape – we value and provide an inclusive, safe space for our team members, colleagues, guests, friends, followers, and clients regardless of age, gender identity, ability, ethnicity, nationality, race or sexual orientation. We work towards the goal of aligning and working with like-minded companies, organizations, and individuals to create change in our community.
Tell us about yourself
I am the Principal of Greenscape Design and Decor. Before Greenscape, I worked in theatre production and music performance, so creating moving, enriching, and memorable experiences that matter has always been something I have been incredibly passionate about.
Making stylish and functional biophilic based décor a viable and attainable option for everyone who wishes to incorporate green into their space is deeply rooted in my approach with Greenscape. It is vitally important to me that our products are sustainable and handcrafted locally by our diverse team at our facilities in Burnaby, BC.
I am motivated each day to help people achieve more and feel better with greener spaces, provide an inclusive and rewarding workplace for our team, provide leadership in our industry, and give back in a meaningful way to the communities where I live and work.
While connecting spaces to nature are my business, empowering and uplifting women, LGBTQQIA2S+, and BIPOC persons is my passion. Compassion, commitment, action, results.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having countless team members move on from Greenscape to start their own successful businesses or outstanding leadership roles. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my team learn, grow, and find their own way as community leaders and entrepreneurs. It fills my heart to see my team bring their ideas, designs, and visions to life at Greenscape - without me. While I am always available to support and work alongside my team, I appreciate that we have built a safe space for them to take chances, be vulnerable, and take ownership of their work.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is loneliness. Beyond long hours, financial stress, and feeling overwhelmed, being a business owner can feel isolating. It is so important to find and build your community and seek out connections. It can be other business owners, industry associations, or an online community. If you can't find the community you are looking for - build your own!
It's not the hardest about being a business owner, but I often laugh that I quit my job so that I didn't have to have a boss, only to find out as a business owner, now every single client and every single employee is my boss!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make time for face time - find your community. Connect to others. Business is about relationships, so find ways to make meaningful connections that matter with people.
- Make time for your time-work-life balance. If you are running on empty, you cannot be the leader your team needs; you cannot be the problem solver your client needs; you cannot be fully present for anyone. Take care of yourself in order to take care of others and your business.
- Make time to learn - stay curious. Learn from your clients, your team, and the world around you. Ask questions, ask for help, and dig deeper. Curiosity is key.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.greenscapedecor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenscapeDesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenscapedesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnekessel/
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.
