Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mandy Armstrong, owner, and designer at Mandala Design, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Mandala Design's style tagline is 'Modern Clothing with a Vintage Vibe,' and that is a perfect way to sum up the clothing I make. But, more importantly, I'm in the business of making women of all shapes and sizes look and feel great about themselves in clothes that are comfortable and classic with just a hint of whimsy stirred in. There's nothing I love more than seeing someone come out of the changeroom with a smile that says, Wow! I look fabulous!

Tell us about yourself

I started teaching myself to sew at age 12 as a way to express myself because the clothing available in the suburban malls where I grew up just didn't feel like me. It was a slow but fulfilling process. I absolutely fell in love with the vintage materials and patterns I found at thrift stores. I was hooked. I went on to graduate from the Fashion Design program at Sheridan College in 1990 and founded Mandala Design that same year. I ran Mandala part-time while gaining more valuable skills working for others in the clothing industry until 2005, when I finally said goodbye to a regular paycheque (gulp!) and hello to full-time entrepreneurship. To this day, it's still the love of fabric, colour, design, and a desire to create that gets me motivated every morning!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think, at this point, my biggest accomplishment is still being here. The fashion industry in Ontario has been devastated over the years, and I'm proud that I've managed to adapt to the changes and carve out a small niche of loyal customers who love what I do. There is so much talent and creativity here in Canada. I'm always excited to support and share with other small independent makers.

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

Ugh. Taxes and paperwork. Hands down. Absolutely despise.

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

  1. Do your research! Take some business courses. Investigate the skills you'll need. Work for someone else for a while to see firsthand what is involved. There are many surprises to any chosen field, and this is a great way to find out if it's really for you.
  2. Passion! Running a business can feel defeating at times. You'll run into many roadblocks, but if you have a passion for what you're doing, it will feel like another obstacle to overcome. Like something else to learn from and not the end of the road.
  3. Just do it! If you come through tips 1 & 2 and still can't wait to get started...then get started!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To anyone reading this...support your local makers, artists, restaurants, shops (etc.) as much as you can! The arts are such an important part of a happy, healthy, fulfilling life, and we need your help now more than ever. Your support means the world to us!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mandaladesign.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandaladesigntoronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandaladesigns/

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.