Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie O., owner of Little Ones Closet, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Little Ones Closet is a children's retail shop that focuses on preloved children's fashions for Newborn to age 10, toys, and books. We try to help keep fashion out of our landfills by circulating them back into our community. Our customers are families all over Canada that are looking for affordable children's wear and who are very conscious about helping save our planet.

Tell us about yourself

I started Little One's Closet after noticing that there was a major need for a well-curated children's secondhand shop that provided quality items to families. My love for kids, fashion, saving the planet, and contributing to my community is what makes this business perfect for me. When I opened Little Ones Closet, I was newly divorced and a single mama to 2 beautiful girls. I needed a business that allowed me to be a mom and be able to put food on our table, and Little Ones Closet has allowed me to do this. What motivates me every single day is seeing the families and their little ones pop into the shop and how happy they are when they score some gems in the shop. I love seeing their smiling little faces, and I also love just talking to the families that come in. Building relationships with my customers is a key to running a successful business. My own two kiddos and my own parents also keep me motivated every single day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My largest accomplishment as a business owner has to be surviving the pandemic as a small business. I pivoted the way our customers could access shopping for their children many times during the pandemic to help create an easy and safe shopping experience. We were able to survive the pandemic and profit successfully. We were definitely one of the lucky ones for small businesses.

If not taking COVID into account, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was just being able to take my idea of a business and be able to grow it all on my own.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the instability of financial position. There are always good months and bad months in all business, and there isn't a "set" pay you receive like you would if you worked for a company. As true entrepreneurs, we do take risks, and this is something that you quickly overcome and get used to.

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

  1. Build relationships with your customers. Get to know them. When somebody feels sincerely appreciated and has built that relationship with you, they will always come back. That is how you grow a business and keep your customer retention.
  2. I know this sounds silly but always smile when you are talking on the phone, even if you are having a stressful day. People can hear "the smile," and they appreciate being able to speak to a positive and pleasant person. They will feel valued, which is what will have them coming back to you.
  3. You have to spend money to make money. Hire somebody you can delegate duties to so you can focus and work on those things that only you can do to help your business succeed.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would just like to tell those who have a dream to try and get it. Don't let the fear and the "what ifs" stop you. You will never know what can be if you don't try.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.littleonescloset.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleonesclosettoronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleonesclosettoronto/

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.