Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in branding and marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sebastien Helary, founder of Carpe Omnia Agency, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Carpe Omnia Agency is a Montreal-based branding and web design studio with the motto, "We make cool things happen for people who inspire us!" We do everything from web design and logos to merch and business cards. Our client is anyone who has a problem we can help solve or a dream we can help make come true, from yoga brands to restaurants by way of art galleries and freight forwarders.
Tell us about yourself
I founded a jazz blog in 2009, which I ran with the help of an editor for over ten years. We never had much of a budget for anything, so I had to teach myself everything from web and graphic design to email and social media marketing. My "day job" was always cooking in restaurant kitchens. In 2020, I started making websites for friends as a side hustle to earn a bit of extra income. Things took off organically, just by word of mouth and social media, until I was able to quit my cooking job. I think the best part of the agency is meeting entrepreneurs and business owners who are, in my opinion, some of the most inspiring people out there and getting to contribute to their vision.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I run a pretty humble little business. I don't really expect ever to receive any awards or giant life-changing contracts. The smile on customers' faces when they see their new website or open a box with their new merch for the first time is really all the accolades I need.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I'd say just time and resource management. You'll need to find a system that works for you because you don't have a boss looking over your shoulder to keep you accountable. It could be just pen and paper for some or more complex online platforms for others. Whatever works for you. And also, make sure always to prioritize business development and acquiring new skills on a continual basis.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small and start now. You don't need a fancy degree or a ton of venture capital for the most part. Figure out what your goal is, break it down into actionable steps and get in the game as quickly as possible.
- You will fail, and you will make mistakes. Always get back up. The name of the game is resilience. It's not about who's faster or who's farther ahead. It's about who the last person standing will be.
- Have fun! What's the point of it all if you're miserable? Might as well go back to your cubicle job. And when you're in a slump or the going gets tough, go to gratitude. Think of all the progress you've already made, the obstacles you've already overcome, and all the positives of being your own boss!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just a big thank you for this opportunity and grateful for Brandon of Grove Campus, who nominated me.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://carpeomnia.agency/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpeomnia.agency/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-helary-49a74413/
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.