We get sh*t done - Make Lemonade
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Kelly, founder of Make Lemonade, located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Make Lemonade is the name, and we get sh*t done! My business focus is all around supporting new business owners to get their foundations in order (branding, sales, operations & finances), hustle less, get connected to a supportive community, and have fun while doing it! The Get Sh*t Done Club is my main offering, and that's where all of that magic happens. It's a really special community that fosters the belief that working for yourself doesn't need to mean *by* yourself.
Tell us about yourself
I named my business after a fruit...so I definitely like to have fun! My career path had handed me a 'sour lemon.' I realized I had two options: 1) I could be bitter about it, or 2) I could 'make lemonade' out of the situation. 12 grueling months later, I opened the first iteration of my business: a coworking space in downtown Toronto. 2.5 years later, the pandemic hit, and I was faced with the ultimate 'lemonade making' situation. Since then, I've closed the space, pivoted to an online model, got my motorcycle license, and just started the path to speaking professionally. What gets me going is the reminder that I get to dictate how my day goes, how I spend my time, and who I spend it with.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, it's that I'm happy. I love the people I work with. I love how I do it; I love that I get to have fun and show up as my full quirky self...that truly helps people too. The fact that I can do that, feed myself, know that I'm making an impact, *and* do it all while still having time to see my friends and family is just... *chefs kiss*.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The responsibility! It's a big life change, and it takes a lot of guts to not only go after your dreams and do something different but know that ultimately, you're in charge, month after month, of how that next bill is being paid. Business never sleeps; the bills will always come, and it's up to you to take control.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting a business is so exciting! There are SO many opportunities, highs, and benefits that come from starting your own business. But, it's a lot of work! It takes a toll on your ability to set boundaries, will test your self-confidence, and requires you to be an advocate for your well-being.
Here are three starting points:
1) Ask yourself: Is this a passion project, or do I really see this as a sustainable long-term, life path?
2) Talk to people! Get out of your comfort zone and ask people who've done it before, what they would have done differently, and how they see the industry (you're interested in) going. Starting a business all in your own head without seeking outside help is guaranteed to limit your growth at the beginning.
3) Simply ask: do people need it and do people *want* it? If you can answer both of these confidently, there's market potential.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/makelemonadeco/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkellytoronto/
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.