Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abdul Rahman, Founder of Payless Furniture, located in Waterloo, ON, Canada.

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

In this time of inflation, we strive to make furnishing easy for all Canadians. Currently, we are able to serve southern Ontario and Montreal's greater area.

Tell us about yourself

I migrated to Canada in 2015. I'm a formal electrical engineer, a husband, and a father of 3 kids. I loved running a private business since I was a student in the faculty of engineering in Egypt. E-commerce was a great fit for me, so when I came to Canada, I realized that the furniture industry deserves better service and more affordable solutions. Part of my background is that when I was in high school, I used to work during summer vacations in a furniture factory owned by our neighbour in Cairo. That's how I combined the furniture with the computer science :)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being my own boss and not being worried about layoffs.

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

Paying the bills on the 30th of each month and balancing life between work and family.

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

  1. You have to have a bigger goal than just making money. The motive to only make money won't be enough when things get darker.
  2. Ask, ask, ask. Having a mentor is a must. There are just too many things to be able to figure out alone.
  3. Learn from farmers, put the seed and nurture it and give it its time to grow. You can't force the fruit out of it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://onpaylessfurniture.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onpaylessfurniture
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abouelala/

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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