Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Iriz Manaig, Co-Founder of Basic Cups, located in Kitchener, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Here at Basic Cups, We offer a wide variety of Wholesale Cold Cups and Tumblers for Crafters. The growing market for handmade personalized drinkware has created a lot of opportunities for these small businesses. Our mission is to help them get their inventory quicker and more affordable, plus a hassle-free buying experience while also significantly reducing other costs to buy.
Tell us about yourself
My Name is Iriz, and I'm a small business owner. It all started when I decided to open my Online shop through an e-commerce platform called Etsy back in 2018 selling Handmade personalized drinkware. When I went on Maternity leave a couple of years ago, I took that time to focus on expanding my business. When I tried to look for Wholesale Cup and Tumbler Vendors, I noticed that it's a huge challenge for Crafters to get them in Canada. Choices are limited, and buying from US Wholesalers comes with expensive shipping costs and custom fees. That's when I realized that I needed to start a wholesale shop for small businesses like myself. Since then, I have been able to help those small businesses get their supplies easier and more affordable.
Today, my mission is to inspire women like myself to start their own crafting businesses. Make it possible for them to have more time for their families since they can start their own business at home, and with the right tools, supplies, and guidance, they can do it all.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It is really important for me to have a work-life balance. So my Biggest achievement for me is that I was able to quit my 9 to 5 job and still provide for the needs of my family. I'm so grateful to be able to work at home and spend time with my daughter anytime.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner, one of the challenges is making sure that your customers can see you and what you offer. The hardest thing for me is growing organic traffic to my website. You need to have consistency and patience, especially with your social media presence.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start a business that you are passionate about. Any obstacles that you will encounter, you will surely overcome.
- Be consistent in what you do and always show up.
- And just have FUN!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://basiccups.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basiccups13/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basic.cups/
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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