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Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marie-Eve Moïse, Owner of Médaly, located in Carignan, QC, Canada.

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

My company is called Médaly. I create vegan personal care products. My goal has always been to offer a high-quality, personalized service at affordable prices, so my products can remain accessible to as many people as possible. I regularly make special orders where my customers choose their fragrances and colors. Even if this option requires more time, I offer it at the exact cost because their satisfaction is more important than anything. In addition to vegan ingredients, many of my products are now "zero waste." The environment is important to me, and I like to offer different options to my customers when it comes to product packaging.

Tell us about yourself

Since I was young, body products have always symbolized a great deal of magic. They were my passion, a gift I received or offered to myself. They brought me true relaxation, sweetness, and happiness! As time went by, the responsibilities of life and a family to support made these little moments far apart. I chose to invest in my family and care for my children, but by doing so, I forgot to treat myself. After much reflection, I realized that these moments of pure happiness helped me be a better mom and person.

Having always dreamed of owning my own business, I had the idea of developing affordable products that would allow those who spend freely for others to indulge themselves. My creativity came to life, and I continuously looked to improve my products. The fragrances, colors, and textures chosen are those that inspire me and make me travel! I'm constantly looking for new trends and seek to innovate in my creations. I develop new skills, which pushes me to improve daily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment is to have started my project from a simple idea and to have learned everything by myself. There are so many steps before launching a product. It's crazy the work that needs to be done. From creating the recipe that requires several tests through the making of the product, labels, photos, advertisements, and so on, you have to be passionate and invest without counting.

I am also very proud to have persevered in the difficult times when people told me I should quit. You can't predict what the next month will bring you in business. That's why being an entrepreneur requires tenacity and perseverance out of the ordinary, significantly to move forward in a market where competition is fierce.

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

Get out of your comfort zone, without a doubt. Becoming an entrepreneur required me to dive into the unknown and make decisions and initiatives without knowing if the result would be positive. Getting back up after being turned down or experiencing disappointment was a difficult step for me, but I never considered giving up.

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

Assess the viability and feasibility of your project. Ask yourself the right questions about profitability, production costs, profit margin, and market saturation for competing products.
Never give up! You will need an inner flame that drives you and pushes you forward. Be determined to make your dream come true, follow your inner voice, and don't let outside opinions destabilize you. It is essential to listen to your instincts.
Be innovative and constantly looking for ways to improve.

Something new is coming at Médaly! The "Lips by Médaly" line will be launched shortly. It is a lineup of vegan lip glosses with attractive shades enhanced with gourmet flavors.

Don't forget to encourage small local businesses! Small online shops like mine are full of treasures that passionate crafters carefully make. Every buyer can make a difference in the lives of small entrepreneurs.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca-fr/shop/MedalyFantaisies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medalyfantaisies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medalyfantaisies/

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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