Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewellery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Dougall, owner of Made You Look Jewellery, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

We represent over 100 local jewellery designers and showcase a wide range of styles and price points. There are 20 self-employed jewelers who make their jewellery on-site in our unique retail/studio environment.

Tell us about yourself

I did the three-year Jewellery Arts Program at George Brown College back in 1999, where I learned that there was a need for a professional atmosphere for jewellers post-graduation. I was motivated to create a space for jewellers to thrive and for customers to be inspired to buy handmade work. Working with a group of creative people who all have a shared goal is very motivating each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have been open for 20 years now; I guess that feels like the biggest accomplishment. But over the years, there have been a huge number of successes that have well exceeded my hopes and dreams.

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

The biggest challenge of being a business owner is that the working mind or brain never stops. Finding ways to retreat into a world that is untouched by the needs of my business is close to impossible. But when you love what you do, it is hard to see that as a bad thing.

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

  1. When you have an idea, you must ask yourself, "does the world really need what I am going to offer" - try to be original!
  2. Any business that is going to be successful needs three things: A good idea, Stamina, and Money. If you are missing one of these 3, it is not going to work.
  3. You need to be prepared to do a lot of things that you are not naturally good at

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you would like to learn more about the unique history of our business. Search the hashtag #madeyoulookarchive on Instagram for a 40+ piece installation of our journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.madeyoulook.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madeyoulookjewellery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeyoulookjewellery/

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.