Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenn Chic, Owner of Maplerose, located in Nelson, BC, Canada.

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

Maplerose is a Waldorf-inspired arts and crafts supply shop, especially for homeschoolers but open to everyone who loves making art with sustainably + ethically-sourced products. I create fun and original craft kits for children and adults interested in learning new skills and expanding their skill set, from making candles to dolls to felting and weaving.

Tell us about yourself

When my own hooligans were just 2 and 4, I bought Maplerose. At one time, a brick + mortar, I had been shopping at Maplerose for years. I just loved how cozy and inspiring it was. One day I was looking for a candle wick, and there was an announcement on the Maplerose home page (as the storefront had been sold and it was only online) saying it was for sale. It just felt "right." I figured this would fit into our lives so nicely, and I could do everything while the kids napped or slept. Little did I know...As someone who has always loved to make things with my hands, having all these supplies at my fingertips was so exciting. I grew up with entrepreneurial parents, so it all seemed kind of natural to raise my own children in a similar environment. They could learn so much, too!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a community was something I had not expected to happen, but sure enough, it did happen. I love to write, and my weekly newsletter became a focus. I have only missed a handful of weeks, and besides boosting sales, I get so much positive feedback on how much it is loved and looked forward to. Occasionally when I travel, I put the word out that Maplerose is coming to town, and I'll hand deliver orders and get to meet my customers. After doing this a couple of times and having really great interactions, I felt like I'd found my people, but what I realized I'd done was create a community.

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

Boundaries. I found it's easy to give and give and give to your business, but as I'm also an unschooling mom who loves to be outside, finding balance can be so tricky. Having boundaries in place as to how much I work and creating information pages and automation to help support my customers has been essential.

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

  1. Slow and steady wins the race - there is no such thing as overnight success. If there are things you don't know (and there will be plenty), don't be discouraged; just learn them.
  2. Start a newsletter immediately, and don't depend on social media to make your business successful.
  3. Gather a team - especially as a solopreneur, you need helpers! I've hired staff, a bookkeeper, a house cleaner, babysitter when I needed to. It's not about a grind; it's about building something sustainable and fun that can support you and the life you want to have.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lovemaplerose.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042395543804
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maplerosestore/

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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