Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mandy Swanson, Owner of Mandys Fashions, located in Rimbey, AB, Canada.

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

Fashion Retailer - We cater to Women in a small town who love to shop, look beautiful, and find things that make them feel good every day.

Tell us about yourself

I started in this business as a teenager in 1995 at the age of 19. Mostly being pushed by my parents to have a business. But now, after all these years, I live it every day. I love the clothing. I love the customers who walk through our storefront. I love the changing environment of learning to evolve online. I love dressing women and making them feel beautiful, and most of all, I love being a part of this small town and feeling like such a big part of the community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I struggled for many years but then finally got my footing, and my biggest accomplishment is that I bought my own building myself.

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

I think the struggle of juggling the jobs of being a wife, a mom, and a business owner. And then the more detailed parts of everything. How do you coordinate making it to the games, driving the kids around, being an ever-present parent, and becoming a successful & thriving, not just adequate business person who is still learning as the business evolves.

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

  1. Know who your clients are in your area, what brings them in, and pay attention to them.
  2. Pay attention to what is selling faster and slower, and constantly make adjustments to buying accordingly.
  3. Know your numbers. Pay attention to all the numbers, costs, expenses, donations, discounts, and margins. A woman once told me that numbers don't lie. That is the biggest truth I have ever heard.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Love what you do, and follow your dreams. But also realize, however, when you might need to make adjustments and changes, and constantly evolve with improvements if possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mandysfashions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandysFashions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandysfashions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-b-b4a39822/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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