Boundless Creativity - Day of Creative
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anna Di Carlo, owner of Day of Creative, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate a small event planning and design company located in Hamilton with a partner, Kaitlyn D'Costa. Day of Creative exists to provide clients with an exceptional standard of customer service, simple and effective event planning solutions, and boundless creativity in every event designed. We specialize in day-of-coordination services, event creation, management, and event design and styling. We also do some fun events on the side like F*ckup Nights (an event series geared towards normalizing professional failure) and The Pop-Up Chapel Hamilton (We marry ten couples in one day: uniquely designed and stress-free!).
Our clients want effortless and stress-free planning and event design that is unique to their own styles and personalities.
Tell us about yourself
I have been working in the events industry since 2009 and decided in 2015 that I wanted to start my own event planning company. I started working on my business in 2016 but really made the decision to make it happen when I moved to Hamilton in 2018. I enrolled in a business program through the city, which helped me to create my business plan and provided funding to get me started.
I love all the amazing people I get to meet and work with, and I enjoy how my business helps to nurture my creative side. I always knew I wanted to work in the creative industry, and my business has helped to fulfill that need. I truly enjoy watching an event take shape from inception to execution; it is such a gratifying feeling. That feeling is what keeps me motivated and moving forward, knowing there are so many cool events out there for me to do!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishments are our repeat clients! We have been lucky enough to work with the best clients, and the fact that they keep hiring us to design their events speaks to our level of service and creativity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I am always worrying about my business and my clients. I think one of the hardest things that come along with being a business owner is the amount of responsibility you have. It's not easy, but it is worth it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research! Research your competitors and research the product/service you're offering to ensure there is a market for it. And do your demographic research too.
- Get help. Is there a program through your city that can help you get funding or provide you with resources/tools, like business plan creation, tax seminars for small businesses, or marketing?
- No comparisons. Be careful with social media; use it as a tool for your business but not as a way to compare yourself to anyone else. Remind yourself why you started your business and what makes it unique.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Take breaks when needed; you deserve it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dayofcreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dayofcreative
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayofcreative/
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.