Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alissa Assu, founder of Westcoast Wildflowers, located in Campbell River, BC, Canada.

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

West Coast Wildflowers is an Indigenous-owned and operated lifestyle boutique. We believe that BIPOC artisans deserve to be represented in the same competitive retail spaces as other talented makers. We believe that our customer is community - we offer a safe and welcoming space to all members of the community. Most importantly, we believe in supporting local, buying local, and growing our local communities.

Tell us about yourself

WCW was launched during the global pandemic. I made a pivot in my life from supporting Indigenous athletes to participate at the North American Indigenous Games and National Aboriginal Hockey Championship to creating a space that young Indigenous girls can dream and aspire to move the Indigenous representation torch in mainstream retail. WCW continues to inspire me because the opportunities for goodness in this world are limitless.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Spreading joy.

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

Keeping business and family distinct and separate while maintaining spiritual, mental, and physical health.

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

  1. Find a mentor in your field.
  2. Research businesses in your area of interest and determine how your business will contribute and elevate your community.
  3. Support your local businesses.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

West Coast Wildflowers was a self-funded business. Within our first year of operation, we raised and donated $10,000 to establish a West Coast Wildflowers Indigenous Bursary, $5,000 to purchase water for Witset First Nation, and donating $6,000.00 to community events. Continue choosing small businesses.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wcwildflowers.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcwildflowers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcoast.wildflowers/

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.