Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Salma Kashani, founder of Bânu Magnifique, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Banu Magnifique was born in the summer of 2020, in Vancouver, out of an immense love for colours, art, and people. I was on a serious mission to share this little passion of mine with whoever would listen. At Banu, I work with talented artists and transform their artworks into high-quality, limited edition fashion sets. My goal is to promote art, inspire positivity and help us improve our mental well-being through vibrant colours. My customers are women who appreciate art and love to express themselves by wearing colourful patterns to make bold statements.
Tell us about yourself
Before the pandemic, I was working at a tech startup as a product manager, but I always dreamed of creating my own business. When the pandemic hit, I lost my job, and I decided that it was the best opportunity for me to pursue my dream.
Colours and art have always been a part of my life — my mother is an incredible artist, and she introduced me to painting at a very young age. I believe that colours hold an invigorating power, and they can help us stay positive and become more confident. This is something that I personally experienced during the pandemic. I decided that by integrating art and fashion, I can spread that positivity and provide people with these delightful items they can carry with them everywhere to boost their mood.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Receiving positive feedback from my customers is the biggest accomplishment. Some customers are so nice that they go out of their way to contact me and let me know how impressed they are with their experience and how they love their purchases. I've had stories of customers receiving compliments on the streets or customers gifting the items to their mothers or friends. It's so heartwarming to hear their stories and know that my items are making people happy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with uncertainties. There are a lot of unknowns and uncertainties when you start a new business. Mentally and emotionally, you have to be ready to deal with the stress and push through, even though you may not be sure about the results.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you're in a good mental/emotional state and have a support system. Even if it's one person, you can rely on and share your feelings with.
- Don't overthink it, and just start by taking the first step. Everything else will follow from there.
- Look at everything as a learning opportunity. Even if your first try doesn't work out, you've learned so much, and you have a better chance to succeed the next time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://banumagnifique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/banumagnifique
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banu_magnifique/
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.
