Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kailey Knapp, co-founder of Freddie's Girls, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We sell home decor items. All of our items have been lovingly searched out and found at local thrift stores and garage sales. Many of our items have been refinished or spruced up in one way or another. We are exclusive Manitoban retailers of DIY brand chalk paint, and we use these paints and waxes on many of our pieces. You will want to stop by our booth at the Nu Era Emporium as you will find so many stylish, one-of-a-kind finds at such an affordable price. Items ranging from picture frames, candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, wooden bowls, trays, and the list could go on! Items for the living or dining room, your bedside table, the office, or for a lovely gift. Truly designer pieces, but at a fraction of the cost! Most of our customers are Manitoban women looking to add a special touch to their homes.
Tell us about yourself
Freddie's Girls is a mother-daughter duo, Delight and Kailey. For as long as I can remember, my mom, Delight, was always stopping at garage sales and searching for interesting pieces, refinishing furniture, and finding some creative project to work on, especially during the winter months. One summer day of 2021, we were driving up from the city to our hometown of Steep Rock, and on the two-hour drive, Freddie's Girls was officially born. As we discussed our mutual love of decorating and painting, we chose the name Freddie's Girls in honor of Delight's father, Fred.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our most exciting moment is a toss-up between becoming the first (and so far the only!) DIY brand chalk paint retailers in Manitoba and opening up our booth at the Nu Era Emporium in Winnipeg's Exchange District. We were thrilled to be one of the original vendors to make our home at 296 McDermot in time for the Nu Era Emporium's grand opening in November of 2021. Selling chalk paint has been a dream come true. We so look up to Jami Ray Vintage and Deb's Design Diary in the USA and the truly wonderful product they have created. It is the best chalk paint we have ever used, and we are so proud to be associated with it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying organized and focused, especially if you start out doing it as a side hustle with your family and a full-time job, also requires much of your time. Keep yourself grounded, and remember why you are doing this and what your goals are!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pick something you are passionate about, and love doing. When the days get longer, you still need to enjoy what you're doing!
- Find a mentor or someone you look up to help guide you. You cannot do this alone!
- Make a plan, and set a goal. You can always readjust it later, but you're not going to get anywhere unless you're aiming at something!
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freddiesgirls/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddies_girls/
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.
