Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Qais Sahel, Partner at Koshani, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the owner of multiple businesses, each with a unique focus and customer base. Firstly, I run a flooring company that supplies brick-and-mortar stores with a wide range of flooring options. This business targets retail stores that specialize in home improvement and renovation products.
Secondly, I operate an e-commerce company that specializes in Amazon FBA. While I cannot disclose the specific products I sell, I can say that I offer a diverse range of items that are available for purchase on Amazon. As an FBA seller, my target market is primarily Amazon shoppers who are looking for quality products at competitive prices.
Lastly, I have a brand that goes by my first and last name - Qaissahel - which is focused on creating content and providing consulting services for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their online businesses. Through Qaissahel, I target individuals who are interested in learning about e-commerce and online marketing strategies, as well as those who are seeking guidance and support in building their own successful online businesses.
Overall, my businesses cater to a diverse range of customers, from retail stores looking for flooring options to Amazon shoppers searching for great deals to entrepreneurs seeking knowledge and guidance in the world of e-commerce.
Tell us about yourself
I got my first retail experience at the young age of 12. My father owned a store inside a flooring store inside a shopping mall, and I would often go in and help around. This involved talking to potential customers and learning how to close deals. By the age of 16, this shifted my mindset towards e-commerce and ways to scale the business. By 18, I had my Amazon FBA store set up and was sold in Canada only. Naturally, I found ways to scale the business and diverted my business to other channels, including Walmart, eBay, Etsy, Wayfair, and Shopify. This opportunity slowly led me towards other opportunities, such as the consulting brand named QaisSahel.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As I get older, the more I value time. For this reason, I look for ways to create passive streams. I think my biggest accomplishment is that I converted the streams of income that I have into almost 100% passive streams, which have allowed me to spend more time on other aspects of my business, do things that I enjoy, and spend time with friends and family.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As the owner, you are responsible for everything that happens in your business, from managing finances and operations to making difficult decisions and dealing with unforeseen challenges. This can be overwhelming at times, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks or difficulties. Business owners often have to initially work long hours and make sacrifices in their personal lives to ensure that their businesses succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You will likely fail many times, but don't give up. Stay consistent.
- Spend your time wisely.
- Make time to exercise or do things that you enjoy so you don't burn out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://qaissahel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QaisProfile/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qais_sahel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qais-sahel-814126122/
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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