Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenna Labiak, founder of The Silk Labs, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Silk Labs produces hair accessories and silk goods made in-house. It was important for me to offer items that are made ethically using high-quality materials.
Tell us about yourself
I noticed a gap in the haircare and silk market as a consumer. Why couldn’t she take care of her hair with high-quality silk while following the current trends and colours she wanted? Practicing haircare with fun products has been the goal for The Silk Labs product offerings, after seeing so many products she wasn’t satisfied with. I began sewing silk scrunchies while using stronger elastics so they wouldn’t slip out of your hair, in all the styles she wanted. The Silk Labs has taken these fundamentals along with community feedback to expand its product offerings beyond silk to become a “one-stop” hub for silk goods and silk hair care.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the community I created. During the pandemic, so many people needed a safe space and a place to let go. The Silk Labs isn't just a store but a community of like-minded people. I have had so many customers tell me they've met individuals from our platform, and nothing makes me feel more accomplished.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning when to let go and develop a team. Once you reach a certain point in your business, it's just not efficient to do everything yourself. This can be new and scary because, for the most part, in a new business, you have to be so hands-on before reaching the point of hiring a team. You get really comfortable with doing everything yourself and having total control. However, you really can't grow if you don't delegate some work to someone else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get on TikTok and create content daily.
- Your network is your net worth, don't be afraid to ask your idol for coffee. You might be surprised.
- Market research, really get to know and be comfortable with your industry.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thesilklabs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesilklabs/
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.