Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ben Provencal, Owner of BENNNNNNNN, located in Lachute, QC, Canada.

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

My business is a gift shop that specializes in acquiring unique and rare black-colored gifts that are high quality and built to last. We source our products from various high-end brands and offer them to our customers at competitive prices. Our customers are individuals who are looking for exceptional gift options that are both stylish and durable. They appreciate the focus on black color and high-quality products, and they trust our expertise in selecting only the finest gifts. We also serve retailers who are looking to stock their stores with exceptional, long-lasting gift options. Overall, our goal is to provide exceptional service and a curated selection of the finest black gifts to our customers.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business by helping friends and family find the perfect gifts for special occasions. I always enjoyed the challenge of finding unique and high-quality items, and I quickly gained a reputation for being able to track down the most hard-to-find items. As more and more people began coming to me for help, I realized there was a demand for what I was doing and decided to turn it into a full-time business.

What motivates me each day is the opportunity to help people find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. It brings me great joy to see the look of surprise and delight on someone's face when they receive a gift that is exactly what they were hoping for. I also love the challenge of sourcing new and exciting products from all over the world and building relationships with the best suppliers to ensure that my customers always receive the highest quality products. Overall, I am driven by a passion for finding and offering the finest gifts to my customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment has been juggling the demands of running my own business while working a full-time job. It can be challenging to manage both commitments, but I have learned valuable time management and organizational skills that have helped me succeed in both roles. In addition, managing my business has strengthened my relationship with my wife, as we have worked together to support and grow the business. It has also given me new ambitions and goals, and I am constantly looking for ways to improve and expand the business. Overall, I am proud of the balance I have achieved between my personal and professional commitments and the sense of accomplishment and growth that I have experienced as a result.

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner for me is managing the financial aspects of the business. As a business owner, it is my responsibility to make sure that the company is financially stable and that we are not losing money. This involves keeping track of our income and expenses, paying taxes on time, and ensuring that we use our resources wisely. It can be challenging to keep everything in balance, especially regarding taxes, as there are often many rules and regulations to navigate. However, I find it extremely rewarding to make sound financial decisions that contribute to the business's success.

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

  1. Having a clear vision and business plan is crucial for the success of your business. It helps you understand the purpose and goals of your business and outlines the steps you need to take to achieve them. A business plan is a valuable tool for staying on track and making informed decisions.
  2. Starting and growing a business requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You may need to put in long hours and be prepared to make sacrifices, but it is worth it to see your business thrive. It is also important to be flexible and adaptable, as the business environment can be unpredictable, and you may need to pivot your strategy in response to changes.
  3. Building a business can be lonely and overwhelming, so it is important to seek resources and support to help you along the way. This could include networking with other business owners, joining a business organization or incubator, or hiring a mentor or business coach. It is also a good idea to educate yourself about the industry and stay up-to-date on best practices and trends.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bennnnnnnn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennnnnnnn.store
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennnnnnnn.store/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bennnnnnnnstore/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoit-provencal-87712496/

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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