Purveyor of Well-Crafted Canadian Design

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Skinner, founder of Distill Gallery, located in Stratford, ON, Canada.

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

I opened DISTILL in the spring of 2003 in Toronto's Distillery District (picture of me in that first location!)

I had just completed my studies of art history and ceramics at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. I wanted to provide a venue for emerging Canadian artists/craftspeople/designers contributing to contemporary visual and material culture. I wanted to toot the horn of handmade and buying locally made offerings. SO many talented people are creating groovy stuff - and there were very few venues to exhibit and sell back in 2003. Eventually, I moved out of Toronto and opened a shop in Stratford (second photo), and now that, and the online store www.distillgallery.com, is how I spend my days.

Tell us about yourself

I have always made things. I am a builder. Ceramics, gardens, clothing, jewellery. I find the act of creating so satisfying. Of course, my interest extends to what others are making! That is still the most thrilling and engaging part of my job - seeing what others are creating and promoting their talent.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Relationships. Although DISTILL started with a focus on emerging artists, some have been showing with DISTILL now for 19 years! Not exactly emerging anymore! Yet, we still work together and have formed long friendships. Very satisfying. Same with the customers of DISTILL. My supporters value the special human investment of handmade, ethically made, Canadian made. Many have been shopping at DISTILL for almost two decades now.

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

Learning to hit the 'off' button is the greatest challenge. I have learned it is essential to step away. It may have taken me over a decade to figure this out - but now I work only when at work. I leave the emails, the phone calls, the website, the accounting, all the stuff that needs to get done - until I am at DISTILL. The days are never long enough, but tomorrow is always another day to chip at the to-do list.

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

Do what you love. Sounds cliche, but you will have the energy and passion for sustaining and building your business if you love what you do.
Don't lose touch with why you started your business. You will evolve your business. That is inevitable. But, I have found that a few times, I would stray, and when I returned to my core mandate, there was a greater success. Don't dilute your brand.
Delegate. Hire an accountant if you struggle with accounting. Hire a cleaner if you are not finding the time to clean... You get my drift. Use your time to do what it is that you do best. Focus. You are the heart of the business! Find others to do the rest;)

Being self-employed means, you wear many hats. It can be tiring, yet it is so rewarding to build a business and follow your convictions.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.distillgallery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DISTILLGALLERY/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distillgallery/

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.