Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Khoi Nguyen, president of Maison Craft Corp, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Craft Maison is a curated retailer of modern handicrafts and designs. We are passionate about introducing handmade products proudly crafted by our professional artisans and telling the story of beautiful, rustic cultures to our local and international friends. The store sources high-quality handcraft items originally created and made in small batches by selections of young, independent, and talented artisans from Vietnam and Local, ranging primarily from items of home décor, stationery to leather and souvenirs. Craft Maison is one of the most unique Gift - Handicraft shops you can find in Vancouver.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a Vancouver-based immigrated entrepreneur with almost 20 years of experience in sales, trading, marketing, and media in Vietnam. As also a senior media and marketing executive and shareholder of my own operation, I have been primarily assigned the duties of handling the retail sectors, amongst others. I have long-established an aspiration in owning and operating a unique and successful business that promotes and sells the variety of products my family does with flying colors in domestic and international markets.
To be named Craft Maison as a direct and hopefully tasteful reference of what it is, the store is modeled and operated to showcase, share and sell the works of high artisan and artistic values and from environmentally friendly processes to customers who appreciate them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Many people simply regard Craft as the quality of making things by hand. At Craft Maison, craftsmanship is more than that. It's not just the art of techniques but rather the effort and passion the makers put into what they're making. It's the result of a process that takes countless time to care for every single piece in order to give the user the best experience. It's a combination of rich heritage, professionalism, and discipline.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things to face as a business owner is dealing with the unknowns. Every day there will be new challenges and obstacles to deal with. Business is never predictable, no matter how prepared we are. The truth is never 100% ready, but we can be close to it if you're able to get into the right mind frame to tackle challenges and find solutions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Being On 24/7.
- Learning To Delegate and surround yourself with the right people.
- Scaling At The Right Time.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
"I've heard so many people complain about a lack of availability of locally made products. In reality, there are tons of extremely talented local makers. Their work just hasn't been discovered." Craft Maison is working to change this narrative, drawing attention to the vast talent whispering through local/ international business and connecting consumers, both local and tourists, to products with heritage and soul. So, next time you find yourself preparing to purchase some unique handicraft stuff, visit Craft Maison. We are always looking to implement new ideas and acquire promising start-ups to expand our network and ultimately bring more amazing products to the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khoi.n.nguyen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftmaison.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khoi-nguyen-a7176030/
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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