Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in general merchandise but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica Porsch, co-owner of A Bit of Home, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

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

A Bit of Home is a family-owned (literally myself, mom, and dad) Canadian independent retailer specializing in Irish and British consumer goods. Our goal is to provide the best selection of products to ex-pats and others who seek quality and uniqueness from Ireland and Great Britain.

Today we stock well over 2,000 different items covering the most popular packaged food products from Ireland and Britain, Celtic Jewelry, football memorabilia, books, souvenirs, and giftware. A Bit of Home turned out to be the right name for our shop, with the largest selection of all sorts of Irish and British goods.

Tell us about yourself

Twenty years ago, my dad, wanting to get out of the computer business, saw a need for a market that was geared towards the huge ex-pat community of Irish, English, Scottish, and Welsh in North America. He took his knowledge of products and his knowledge of computers and websites, to set up our online shop.

Once we saw that people wanted to shop in person, we opened our first brick and mortar shop in 2004, and the rest they say is history. I think the motivation comes from how happy we can make someone when they come into the shop and see something that transports them back to childhood. Bringing that nostalgic feel back to customers is what keeps us going. A customer's smile can carry you through a lot.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm sure if you speak to the 3 of us, we would all have different answers, but I would say for me personally was to be able to come into this business and gain more customers online by using social media tools and apps. I'm always available to answer questions or help out with online orders. I think in this day and age, and with people with different schedules, it's important to be available even when the shop is closed for any questions or concerns.

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

Dedication. You have to be willing to give up a lot to make it happen. You are working around the clock, in the beginning, to ensure your business takes off. Sometimes that means lack of sleep, lack of socializing, and sometimes a lack of sanity.

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

  1. Know your audience and have a clear idea of what you want to sell.
  2. Learn constantly. This can be with either social media, merchandising, or even pricing. You are always learning as a business owner.
  3. Gratitude. Always be grateful for your customers and staff. Without them, you wouldn't have a business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think overall, just love what you do and remember why you are doing it. It will be tough at times and sometimes tough for a while. Owning a business isn't for everyone, but if your heart and head are in the right place, it's always a good start.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://abitofhome.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abitofhome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abitofhomeukandirish/

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.