Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ruhee Rajan, founder of Rubies Bras, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Rubies Bras is a luxury bespoke bra company based out of Toronto, Canada. Owned and operated by women, we create bras that fit, flatter, and function for the everyday. Our clients are those who struggle to find a commercial bra that is comfortable and makes them feel their best. We cater to all sizes & situations, including asymmetry, mastectomy, surgical, and trans bras. Our products abide by the strictest level of quality, customer service, and satisfaction, with premium materials that are ethically made, locally sourced, and free from latex and animal products. Private fittings are by appointment or shop online, with worldwide shipping from Toronto, Canada.

Tell us about yourself

I'm Ruhee! Founder of Rubies Bras. Born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, I graduated with a Marketing Degree from the University of Alberta and have been a Marketing Professional for about 18 years. Seven years ago, I decided I hated my bra so much that I joined a class to make one. I remember thinking I was crazy, but when you're desperate and determined (and frustrated with retail options), strange things happen. It took me six months of private lessons to make a proper bra, and I was so excited; I told (and showed) all my friends and decided to make bras on the side for my friends and family.

Fast forward seven years later (with proper bra-making and designing designations), I run Rubies (a friend named it after combining ruhee + boobies over a night involving too many drinks) full-time in my private studio in East Toronto. I love helping women feel their best. And you can't feel your best if what you're wearing doesn't make you feel comfortable, confident, and sexy. The fact that I can help change the way women feel about their bodies with a single piece of garment is what really keeps me going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is Rubies! I had no idea how to start, run, and manage a small business. But I am proud that I figured it out and am still learning!

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is taking the leap and quitting your regular job to do this and worrying about making enough money to pay the bills. You go from having a stable income with benefits and paid vacation to having to work really hard for every dollar and not being able to control your pay cheque. Being a small business owner is so freeing and rewarding, but not being able to control the amount you make is hard for me as someone who has been used to a corporate job for so long. You lose money at the start, but then you start making money, and it's a great feeling knowing that it was all because of your hard work and determination. And then, once your sales and profit start seeing some normalcy in your income, life becomes much more fun!

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

  1. Don't quit your day job until you are absolutely sure and ready and your business is actually making money. If you can, try to have a job where you are able to run a side hustle and slowly make your side hustle your full-time job. This way, you aren't putting so much pressure on yourself and your business to pay your bills. When the time is right, make the switch or even keep a part-time job that pays the bills until you are more confident about the profitability and sustainability of the business. Always good to have a backup plan!
  2. Just start. Don't stress out about the other stuff. I was so stressed about trademarks, legal, and business licenses. I delayed opening my business until I had all my ducks in a row. I almost quit because I got so overwhelmed. Get a website, Etsy page, or Instagram page, and just start posting and seeing where it goes. No one properly plans and has all their ducks in a row, trust me!
  3. Outsource. Outsource. Outsource. I cannot emphasize this enough. Focus on the things you're good at and want to improve at, and outsource the rest. I regret not doing this sooner. Things like taxes, photography, etc. It's an investment at the beginning, but in the long run, it will save you so much time and money. Freeing up your time and energy to hone in on your passions is what will help you become more successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rubiesbras.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubiesBras/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubiesbras/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruheerajan/

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.