Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Pascual, founder of Cool Eye Creative and ANDREA PASCUAL, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

My first business is my brand strategy and graphic design business, Cool Eye Creative. I work with bold founders to strategize and design trustworthy brands.

My second business is my namesake fashion brand, ANDREA PASCUAL. ANDREA PASCUAL is my luxury fashion brand for cultural disruptors.

Both businesses are founded and operated by me in Toronto, Canada.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been creative. I studied Graphic Design at OCAD University in Toronto twenty years ago. After that, I studied Accessories Design at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I've been freelancing as a graphic designer for a few years now. It wasn't until the pandemic that I fully realized helping other brands grow was a true gift of mine.

As for my fashion brand, I've been sewing and designing leather goods ever since I graduated from fashion school. I launched my first online shop in 2014. A couple of years ago, I started working with manufacturers. I launched my unisex capsule collection in late 2022.

I'm motivated to do what I do every day because I'm in love with it. I love to design and create. I love making my customers happy with the work I produce and the fashion items they feel fly wearing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To be honest, I don't really look at business in terms of big accomplishments. Every successful client brand project is an accomplishment. So is keeping up with my fashion designs and making it to my next collection and campaign shoot. I guess I consider growth a "big" accomplishment. Learning, growing, and being a better business owner is something I celebrate at the end of each day.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is trusting yourself amidst all the doubt and noise.

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

My top 3 tips I'd give to anyone looking to start a business:

  1. Know your WHY. Is your WHY strong enough for you to keep going through difficult times?
  2. Know your values. Knowing your values will help guide your decisions. And trust me. You'll make them on the daily.
  3. Don't quit your day job just yet. Business is tough, especially in the first few years. Support yourself first while learning the ins and outs of your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://andreapascual.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puffaz.p/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapascual/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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