Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Francis Chimienti, sales director of Starlite Home Decor Inc., located in Laval, QC, Canada.

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

We are a wholesaler of our own exclusive home decor items under the CASA MIA branding. We specialize in offering Curtains, cushions, decorative curtain rods, and throw blankets. We're young and dynamic, always looking for new items. Cutting corners is not in our DNA; the core values have always been quality over price and great service; our parents are to blame for that. Being a family business, you are connected to your client base. Our clients expect a higher quality product from Starlite, so we make sure to offer that throughout our collection consistently. Our collections can be found in decor boutiques, window covering stores, independent hardware stores, paint shops, gift stores, design centers, etc. Throughout the years, Starlite has become synonymous with superior products and services.

Tell us about yourself

I was born into this. Starlite is a family business started by my parents over 35 years ago. Along with my older sister, we began helping them in our garage preparing orders; I was five years old at the time. So I've always had a passion for fabrics. Obviously, as you get older, you find aspects of the business that appeal to you more, and for me, that was sales. My motivations are showing clients our new collections every year, seeing their reactions, and seeing them do well with our products. I think there is no greater reward than clients being successful with your products .. it is a win-win!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, I look at that as what's "our" biggest accomplishment...Working with my sister and brother and finding that groove where everyone is on the same page and knowing you can rely on your partners is by far our biggest accomplishment. Selling is easy; it is keeping those clients, which is harder, and the cohesion has allowed us to maintain a great level of service. I could've said landing a huge account, but that doesn't happen if everything else is not Nsync.

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

The responsibility is that people rely on you for their livelihood, and you can never stop hustling.

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

Follow your heart; bigger is not always better; business is a marathon, not a sprint.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'd like to thank Subkit for this amazing opportunity; it's been a great pleasure, and I've learned a lot about myself as well through this experience. Don't forget that decorating your home is always in style!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.starlitehomedecor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Starlite-Inc-187958007953979

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.