Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Red Barrinuevo, Principal Designer of REDESIGN4MORE Inc., located in ON, Canada.

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

We are a home staging and interior decorating business serving Toronto and the GTA. Our goal is to help homeowners elevate the look and feel of their home and improve its functionality to create a positive impact with our stylish interior solutions and thoughtful approach to each unique space and client because we believe that coming home is one of the most beautiful things.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for interior styling and decorating started at the early age of 11. I remember re-arranging our furniture on the weekends while other kids are playing outside. However, I ended up getting a degree in business and finance and ended up working as a pharmaceutical representative, followed by a career in investment banking that lasted for almost 20 yrs combined. In 2010, I redirected my focus and stopped chasing high-paying jobs, and decided to dig deeper give in to what makes me truly happy - creating beautiful homes. I then founded Redesign4more, The Red Barrinuevo Design Co., in 2011.

What motivates me is the fact that I finally found my purpose. It took me a long time to realize my purpose, but I feel blessed that I finally understood what the universe was telling me. It makes me feel fulfilled and happy that I can help improve people's lives by sharing what I do best -- creating beautiful homes. That is my biggest motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an immigrant to Canada who gave up everything to move here (I literally moved to Canada with only $1000 with no friends and relatives) with just the clothes on my back and sheer determination to do good is a tough challenge. One of my biggest accomplishments is building a profitable business from nothing. I started with $1500 dollars to build a business and grew it to a seven-figure business in 10 yrs.

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

I guess for me; it is keeping my work-life balance. I love my work, and I tend to work a lot (because it doesn't feel like work to me). Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart; it's tough and sometimes requires wearing so many hats! In the beginning, I am the designer, the driver, the mover, the social media strategist, the accountant, and all! Over the years, I delegated all these tasks. I hired more people to help me better my business and maintain a more balanced life.

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

  1. Dig deep and find what you're passionate about to find your purpose. Once you find it, turn it into a service to help other people.
  2. Making money is not the goal. Using money as your goal will frustrate you because you will not make money right away, then that's the dead end. Shift your focus (just like what I did), and find a way to help others as your focus instead. Perfect it, hone your skills along the way and be so good at it then money will follow for sure.
  3. Celebrate small victories. Fuel your passion with all these-- a new follower on social media, a new website, a new project, etc.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Everything happens in time; patience is key in growing a business, and while you're at it, enjoy the journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.redesign4more.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063530861832
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbarrinuevo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Red_Barrinuevo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/red-barrinuevo-638b8441/

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.