Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Regina Sheung, founder of Labour of Love, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Labour of Love opened in 2010; it has since evolved into a diverse, well-curated concept store. Our space is not just for retail but also for hosting events, collaborating with artists, and cross-promoting other local, independent businesses. We think outside the box focusing on community building sharing experiences and inspirations. We believe in storytelling through our visual displays and product selections. Our customers often come back for the experience from the sidewalk (via our storefront window). The shop itself, to the personalized handwritten notes we sent out for our online shoppers. We care!

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the wholesale and retail industry since the 90s. I started out as a sales representative for a watch company from the UK. Then later, I was assigned with exhibition planning for various trade shows, helping retailers with product learning, visual displays, marketing, and sales strategy building. During my time as an account manager, I have worked with many shop owners, which fueled my curiosity for owning a little shop of my own one day! I started out on Yonge Street with Propaganda, my first brick-and-motor; it was a funky clothing and accessories shop. I ran it for 14 years and then shifted gears and opened Labour of Love in 2010. The shop is like a performance stage and a playground all in one. It offers me the freedom for creativity. There is no red tape, I can make changes freely, and if it doesn't work, I can try something new the next day. This freedom motivates me to keep showing up to this day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To have the courage to end a profitable business and start a new one is one of my biggest accomplishments, if I may say so. Understanding that profit doesn't nurture one's soul and that I needed to keep exploring, this mindset has taught me to think outside the box and stay true to my beliefs. Also, I'm quite proud of our Power Down Wednesdays - it is a day to reeducate ourselves about the importance of slowing down. We ask everyone to remove their outdoor footwear, put their digital devices on mute, and then walk through the dimly lit shop while soft background music (usually nature sounds) plays. The plan is to encourage our visitors to be more present and to enjoy a different shopping experience. We started this project in July 2021, and it has been well received. For more information please click:

https://thelabouroflove.ca/pages/store-hours-and-location

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

I think it is known that finding the right staff and building the best team is one of the biggest challenges for any business owner. I am, however, lucky enough to have worked with some really talented and wonderful folks throughout my career.

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

Have a vision, don't follow what everyone else is doing. Make a plan, learn your lessons, measure the effectiveness of a lesson, change it up and have fun while you're at it!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Set your boundaries, make your work, work for you. Focus on customers who understand and believe in your vision they are the ones you want to grow with.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thelabouroflove.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelabouroflove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labouroflove/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLabourofLove
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-sheung-b8844041/

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.