Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana McIntosh, Owner of CozyUp, located in Brampton, ON, Canada.

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

I create crochet products that you can use every day, like coasters, blankets, bookmarks, etc. I have a wide variety of customers, but mainly they are fellow DIY lovers that enjoy supporting a small business.

Tell us about yourself

I was going to a daycare program in an elementary school that had an arts and crafts section. One of the daycare works was knitting - which I found pretty interesting, but I found it too confusing for me, so she showed me how to crochet instead. I've been crocheting on and off for over 10 years. I heard about cool products sellers were making, and people were actually interested in purchasing them.

I decided to open my Etsy shop during the lockdown in November 2020 and see how far my products could reach across Canada. My motivation to continue to do this is the positive feedback from my friends, family, and customers. Hearing how much they love the products that I handmade per order is thrilling and makes me want to create more.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would be expanding outside of Canada. When I started receiving orders from the USA and even Germany, I was completely shocked but excited that CozyUp was reaching that side of the world.

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

Definitely, the hardest part would be juggling getting out orders while still having to deal with my everyday life. I was in school full-time while also working full-time during the pandemic.

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

  1. First, I would say if you have an idea for a business and you're passionate about it, do it! No idea is stupid or dumb.
  2. Another tip would be to figure out how much you're willing to spend on inventory and calculate what your profit would be per order. You don't want to spend a lot of money on what you need to send out an order but barely get anything in return.
  3. Lastly, as cheesy as it may sound - have patience. It might take a while for you to receive your first order, but it will come!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would love to thank Subkit for this opportunity to share my small business and inspire others to start their own!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ShopCozyUpCA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopcozyup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcozyupca/

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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