Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Evans, co-founder of Eleven Love, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

Eleven Love is a brand built on the Pillars of love and kindness. We create and handcraft all of our products that are meant to uplift and inspire others. We founded Eleven Love in 2017. We are all female, founded, owned, and operated by the three of us, Dawn, Alda, and Shannon. Everything we make has a special meaning behind it. We want our customers to feel something magical and special and help to connect them to the most precious dreams, wishes, and visions they hold for themselves. Our most popular product is our 11:11 Make A Wish Bracelets. They act as a reminder of your wishes and keep your thoughts and intentions positive.

Tell us about yourself

The idea was first created by Alda and myself (Dawn). We met through our daughters, who were in Kindergarten together. We both shared the same interests and passions in spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We had both been on a journey of self-healing. We wanted to spread that message through our products and create something that made others feel hopeful, inspired, and uplifted. Shortly afterward, we met Shannon, and she was the missing piece of the puzzle that we were looking for.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment so far has been that our products have sold all over the world, and we are currently in over 100 stores across Canada, the USA, and Overseas. Thanks to platforms like Etsy and Faire. Every time we get a sale and we ship an item, we don't think of it as a sale; we think of it as someone's special wish is on the way. If we can make just one person feel uplifted and inspired, we feel like we have succeeded in our business and helping to make the world just a little better.

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

One of the hardest things so far has been operating a business in a pandemic. We usually work together a few days a week, so being a part was challenging. Also, the rising costs of materials and shipping have been a challenge as well. We have also had supply issues with our suppliers during the pandemic; for example, we had to wait over eight months to receive an order of tins and glass jars for our candles. It has been hard to keep a steady inventory of all of our products which can be both frustrating for our customers and us.

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

  1. Go for it. Focus on one baby step at a time rather than the whole big picture. It will seem less scary that way. We are true believers that slow and steady entrepreneurship wins the race.
  2. Believe in yourself. And if you need a little extra motivation or help, we highly recommend hiring a coach, either a life or business coach or someone who does both. Your personal growth is connected to your business growth. The more courage and confidence you build in yourself, the more it will mirror onto your business.
  3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're feeling burnt out, stressed, or overwhelmed, it's okay to ask for help. Hire a student or a VA to help with the little tasks that bog you down. It has been a game-changer for us. Your health and happiness are important and key to keeping your business growing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.elevenlove.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevenlovedesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevenlovedesign/

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.