Effortless, Playful, Things You Love

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Boudreau, owner of Desserts and Skirts, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Desserts and Skirts is a brand of fun and playful women's clothing. I would love to open a bakery/boutique someday, hence the name. For now, I just eat the desserts and make the skirts. I love working with really fun prints, usually involving animals, and I also incorporate my own illustrations as screen prints. My customers love to have fun with their wardrobes, which means I get to continue doing what I love!

Tell us about yourself

I first started my own business making jewelry in 2003. It wasn't until 2008, after working in a shop surrounded by designers, that I got the bug to start a clothing brand. It all happened very organically for me. Someone gave me a sewing machine; someone else showed me how to use it. A couple of months later, I'd made 22 skirts and started selling them in the shop. Were they really well made? Probably not, but I sold them! People are awesome. From there, I continued to learn and grow as a designer and maker. Now everything is really well made! I'm motivated every day by the list of ideas that I have that I never have time to get through, which also keeps growing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment is just "doing it"! Business is really hard. There are ups and also many downs. It could have been really easy just to quit, but that thought never entered my mind. Whenever there was a down, my thought process was, "what can I do to make this better."

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

The hardest thing is always cash flow. Running a business is very expensive, and as long as you're growing, you're spending. We must always be growing. Also, being a one-woman show. There are a lot of hats to be worn, and there isn't ever enough time to put them all on.

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

It's hard, and it will take time. Be sure you love what you do, and then don't give up. If something isn't working, take a step back and make a change. Don't be afraid of change. Listen to business podcasts and watch online courses. You never know where inspiration will come from. Follow your intuition. Have fun! Is that three tips?

The sooner you learn that time is money, the better. I'm still learning this.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dessertsandskirts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dessertsandskirts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dessertsandskirts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoleboudreau

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.