Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mandi Galovan, Owner of Homeschool Print and Prep, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Homeschool Print and Prep. I provide high-quality printing, binding, laminating, and other services at a fraction of the cost of larger printing companies. Most of my customers are homeschool families, but I also serve teachers, university students, and anyone else who needs high-quality, low-cost printing services!
Tell us about yourself
In 2015, our family moved from the US to Edmonton, Alberta, when my husband accepted a job as a professor at the University of Alberta. At that time, we felt guided to homeschool our four children. Over the past seven years, I've discovered the joy, fun, challenge, and frustration of homeschooling-often experiencing all of these on the same day! Throughout our homeschool journey, I have explored many avenues for obtaining homeschool materials. It didn't take long to realize that shipping pre-printed materials from the US was not a good option for us. I found that most professional print shops cost more than I was willing or able to pay. At-home printing is time-consuming and/or nearly as costly as a professional print shop. Seeing the need for affordable homeschool printing, I felt inspired to start Homeschool Print and Prep to help fellow homeschool families have what they need to effectively educate their children at an affordable price.
I never really pictured myself as a business owner, but I absolutely love what I do! I love helping families figure out what is going to work best for them. I love trying to answer customers' questions and encouraging them on their homeschool journey! I love taking the warm papers off the printer and seeing a freshly bound book. I love that I can do all this while still being home with our children, working a few hours here and a few hours there. I love the feeling of having my materials prepared and ready to go and helping others feel prepared too!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel like having customers return again and again and tell their friends about my business is a big accomplishment. I try to offer exceptional customer service, so having repeat customers helps me feel like I am accomplishing that goal.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing time and energy between the business, homeschooling, household duties, kids' activities, church service, etc., is very hard! Most days, as hard as I try, I can't do everything, so I have to figure out what the most important tasks are for that particular day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something that you love and are skilled at, and see if there's a way you can turn that into a money-making opportunity.
- Don't be afraid to start small, but be prepared to potentially grow quickly.
- Listen to the needs of your customers/clients and tailor your services to those needs, if possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.homeschoolprintandprep.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolprintandprep/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolprintandprep/
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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