Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Crystal Charles, owner of HoneyBooks Bookstore, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a children's discount bookstore. HoneyBooks supports people from marginalized communities and believes that it is important for children to see themselves and their families in the books they read.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up reading books, and I have always loved the adventures within a good book. I was a daycare teacher before I started this bookstore and loved to show diversity in my classroom. However, I found it difficult to find diverse books that represented people of colour and the LGBTQ + community. Even when I did find what I wanted, it came with a high price tag. So, I decided to start a discount bookstore that specialized in multiculturalism and inclusion. Many of my books are written by people of colour or from the LGBTQ+ community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is when I see children or young people come into the store and their eyes light up. They point to our representation and products that represent them. That is truly my only purpose; it is to help young people understand that they belong here.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is getting people's attention. Taking up space and showing others that HoneyBooks is needed. I am constantly running around trying to juggle being an entrepreneur, toddler mom, and working another job at night. It's hard to be 100% perfect at everything when each aspect needs my attention.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Get organized, don't take no for an answer, and recognize that you are doing your best. What your doing will take time to reach greatness.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If I could do this all over again, I would ask for help. It's not easy doing everything alone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.honeybooks.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneyBooksca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybooksca/
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.
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