Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home decor but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zu Pawlowicz, founder of LEKKO life goods, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.

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

LEKKO life goods were born out of my commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and are about embracing slow, simple, and beautiful habits with our home goods. We resonate with people who are exploring their journeys to less wasteful habits and who want to surround themselves with beautiful goods that will motivate them to stay on track.

Tell us about yourself

It's always a winding story, isn't it? As I first started eliminating excessive waste from my life, I started baking bread. I then needed a way to store this bread without relying on plastics, and that's how the first product was conceived: the linen bread bag. It just kept picking up momentum. We have a full range of home goods available, including linen napkins, tea towels, bowl covers, and aprons. I like wearing all the hats, and it gives me immense satisfaction to know that the goods I made with my hands are out in the world, with people using them daily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, I think my personal growth has been huge while owning LEKKO life goods. To run a business, you need to value yourself, your time, and your work. While there are always moments of weakness, feeling the confidence to wake up every day and believe that I am bringing something special to the table is something that I have cultivated and am proud of.

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

I have three small children, two of which were born while running this company. Learning to set limits that work for my family and I was and continues to be difficult, but as a wise person once said (that I, of course, don't remember), "you can do everything, but not everything at once."

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

  1. Be kind to people. All my first retail accounts and market opportunities were made thanks to the friendships I made early on. I don't get a lot of networking time due to my commitment to my very busy home life, but by being friendly when I do get out, I managed to build interesting collaborations, be invited to fantastic opportunities, and promoted by influential people.
  2. Be brave. However, every time I have pushed myself to do something I was afraid of, it leads to incredible things.
  3. Be passionate. When you are passionate about your offering, your audience feels it. Don't be worried about sounding "too" anything. The stronger your convictions and your passion for your industry, the more excited your customers and admirers will become about your products or services.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A successful business is one that makes you happy. There's more than one way to run a business, and there's no set "look" for a business owner. Don't put limits on yourself- just start!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lekkolifegoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LEKKOlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lekkolifegoods/

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.