Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eve Athans, founder of All About Eve Boutique, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
All About Eve Boutique is a men's & women's clothing boutique. The boutique's aesthetic is based on contemporary Canadian artists & designers. It's a place where art & fashion merge as one! Walls consist of Canadian artwork by John Scott & Sakis. The styles that fill the racks are by Canadian designers such as Hilary MacMillan, It Fitz Me & L'MOMO, to name a few! All About Eve's guests are from all walks of life & enjoy being styled in an environment that feels bright, stylish & unique all at the same time!
Tell us about yourself
There are many enlightening along with encouraging factors of why I started All About Eve Boutique. The dream of opening a clothing boutique & the encouragement of my partner was the starting factor! The everyday interaction with guests, the buying process of each designer/line, the moment the goods arrive in store, the merchandising process & the reaction of the guests when they see the new collection hanging on the racks! The most entertaining part of the business would be that the fashion industry is forever evolving with new trends, new Pantone Color's every season, new emerging designers/brands & the increased amount of interest in the fashion & art industry. With the help of social media/net/movies etc., the fashion industry & the business of fashion have helped people become more aware of what's going on behind the scenes & on the runways. This makes my job exciting every hour of every day & continues to motivate me to do what I enjoy!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Biggest accomplishment?!?! Every year (pre-pandemic), the biggest accomplishment was having guests continue to enjoy the styles along with the environment. This is very important; this is what allows my business to continue moving forward. This is still a big accomplishment, along with surviving the pandemic. The past couple of years was a challenge having to take the appropriate steps, sitting at the drawing board (sort of speak) again, being open to new challenges & changes & making decisions that are best for my business, my guests & myself.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The Decision-making process - whether it be the right or wrong decision, for me is the hardest part that comes with being a business owner. The Decision-making process is stressful & then getting it wrong is very difficult not only are you back where you started your also battling with yourself. But when the decision-making process is stressful & then it's the right decision, that outcome over-ways all the wrong choices that were made!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Definitely learn as much as possible, pay attention in accounting class, read about marketing strategies, management, economics & different forms of business. Educate yourself on the business you want to create, know your demographic, everything about them, and be prepared to work long hours (remember you are working for yourself). Always keeps in mind that light is knowledge & you can never learn too much, but you can certainly learn too little. Think positive, continue to dream; big or small does not matter & the outcome will be bright!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://allabouteve.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALL-ABOUT-EVE-1390930471137359/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutevetoronto/
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.
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