Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heidi Friesen, Owner of Heidi-and-Seek Boutique, located in Winkler, MB, Canada.

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

My name is Heidi Friesen, the owner and sole creator of Heidi-and-Seek Boutique! I create high-quality clothing, art, and accessories with an emphasis on mental health awareness, self-care, and loving yourself for who you are! My customers want something that can't be found at the mall - something unique, comfortable and stylish that helps express their personality!

Tell us about yourself

I started designing clothing after my sister, and I created skirts out of pillowcases in her college dorm room. I couldn't afford new fabric, so I started making clutch purses and tote bags from pillowcases and sheets with neckties for straps. Some friends saw what I had made and encouraged me to start selling my items, and I started my Etsy shop in 2009.

In 2015 I completed my certificate in Apparel Design from Red River Polytechnic in Winnipeg, MB, where I learned pattern making, textiles, fashion illustration, and much more!
I love designing clothing and seeing those designs come to life through my customers!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is getting this far, mostly on my own. Starting a business is hard, and running it yourself is even harder. My skills have grown in leaps and bounds along with the pieces I am able to create. I am also particularly proud of designs I have made to be fundraising items for local organizations, such as a Mental Health Awareness t-shirt for a local counseling center called Recovery of Hope.

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

One of the hardest things that have come with being a business owner for me is time. I am not yet at a place where I can work on my business full-time and so having gaps between studio days makes things challenging. Consistency is necessary in order to run a successful business, and this is something I struggle with since life gets so busy! One day I hope to have a warehouse where all things Heidi-and-Seek Boutique can run out of - clothing design, cutting, sewing, shipping, social media, website management, photoshoots, etc.

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

My top 3 tips for someone who is looking to start, run and grow a business are:

1. Take it slow. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.

2. Start with what you have. If you have a few things made or service ideas started, put them out into the world. You can't sell what you don't have available, and there will not be a perfect place to start.

3. Find a like-minded community that will help support and encourage you in your craft. This is incredibly important because you will never get to where you want to be without the help of others.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

What I am currently learning is to stop and listen to the excuses I am making and then find solutions for them. Excuses are what you give yourself when you are afraid to do something, so be aware of when you are making them, and pivot to find solutions for the excuses. This will keep you in action to pursue your goals!

Some days it will feel hard, and some days you will want to quit, but if it is important to you, keep fighting and stand your ground when doubt and fear come your way. We can do hard things!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://heidiandseekboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidiandseekboutique
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidiandseekboutique/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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