Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Bodis, owner and founder of Frontier Barbers & Company, located in St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Frontier Barbers & Company is a family-owned barbershop that offers premium haircuts and a fully licensed bar at the front. We focus on the experience of a traditional barbershop while offering local beverages and a Whiskey bar.
Tell us about yourself
Frontier Barbers & Company is owned and operated by Brittney and me. We have years of business and barbershop experience between the two of us. Brittney comes from Newmarket Ontario and has worked at high-end salons and barbershops since the start of her career. I come from a career in marketing and brand management. Together we wanted to bring a unique experience to Niagara that is like no other shop. We have been lucky enough to have grown our shop to 8 staff. Being able to have a connection to the community and being able to offer employment is the greatest motivation to work hard each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishments as a business owner would have to be broken down into stages; Stage 1 was when we opened our doors for the first time. Being first-time business owners and having our brick-and-mortar location open was an exceptional feeling. Stage 2 was when we booked out our schedule for the first time. Seeing our business grow in real-time gave us the validation our vision was working and catching on in the community. Stage 3 was when we hired staff for the first time. This was a sign of real growth; having a team to rely on changes the way we are able to do business and focus on growth and success.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When owning a small business, you need to be a Jack of all trades, levering all the knowledge you have. But the hardest part is you have to really be honest with yourself about what you are not good at, so you can learn the skills to succeed or build a team around you that complements the growth of the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Do your research; it is so important to get a grounded expectation of the industry and how you want to operate.
2. Build a business plan. This will act as a road map to success; it will keep you on track and help flush out any areas that might cause trouble
3. Ask for help. There is no shame in not knowing what to do next. Successful business owners utilize their network and are not afraid to ask for help when needed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When owning a business, the business becomes a major part of your life. You need to have fun and enjoy what you are doing. Lastly, don't forget to schedule some ME time to recharge your batteries.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://frontierbarbers.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontierBarbers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontierbarbers/
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.