Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sedef Okman, Owner of Mystylebox, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Our company aims to provide an exceptional online personal styling and colour consulting service customized to meet our client's unique preferences, body types, and lifestyles. Our objective is to help guide our clients in discovering and achieving their desired personal style.

Our valued customers are busy working individuals who value their appearance and want to feel confident and radiant in their style choices. They desire a personalized styling and consulting service that is affordable, convenient, and tailored to their individual preferences, and they appreciate the convenience of an online service.

At our styling service, we believe that every customer has unique requirements and preferences when it comes to their wardrobe. Therefore, we prioritize our customer's requests and provide them with a personalized approach to their styling needs. Whether you are adjusting to a post-baby body, finding it challenging to discover contemporary and figure-flattering outfits at a particular age, or seeking to experiment with various styles, we are here to assist you.

Our team of experienced stylists works closely with each customer to understand their individual fashion goals and develop customized solutions that cater to their needs. We strive to make fashion accessible to everyone and help our customers feel confident and stylish in their own bodies.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Turkey, and my education took me to the UK and the USA. Due to my husband's business, we have lived in different countries, such as Germany, Spain, Singapore, Canada, and more. Although I had to leave my career behind, I had the opportunity to experience living in these beautiful countries, travel the world, and start a new life. I took the time to examine unique cultures, learn new languages, make new friends, and focus on things that truly matter in life.

When my children started college, I felt the need to rebuild my career, and I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Fashion has always been my passion, and I enjoyed following trends and styling for photoshoots during my career. To dive deeper into the fashion and styling industry, I decided to take Image Consulting courses, which ultimately led me to launch my own brand, "Mystylebox," in Canada.

What motivates me each day is the belief that receiving help from experts in personal imaging and styling enables people to build their unique style, increase their self-confidence, and make their lives much easier. Styling is an art where you can create a visual feast by combining fashion items in an artistic way. When you choose the right colours, well-fitting outfits, and proper style choices, it can make all the difference in a person's confidence and appearance.

At "Mystylebox," our main objective is to empower individuals to exude confidence and sophistication through their personal style. Inspiring people to feel great about their appearance is the driving force that motivates me to pursue my passion every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is building a successful company from the ground up. From the early stages of researching and learning about the industry to wearing multiple hats and handling every aspect of the business, I persevered through all the challenges and obstacles. I am proud to have established a brand that provides a valuable service to our clients and has grown to where it is today. It's a true testament to the power of passion and dedication.

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

One of the hardest things to deal with is the financial uncertainty and instability that comes with starting a new business. It takes time, effort, and a lot of self-investment to establish your brand, build a customer base, and generate a consistent income. The first couple of years are especially challenging, and it can be difficult to balance the financial demands of running a business with personal expenses. However, if you have a strong passion for what you do and a clear vision for your business, the hard work and sacrifices will be worth it in the end.

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

  1. Be patient and persistent: It takes time to build a successful business, and you have to be willing to put in the work and stay committed to your goals. Customers and revenue don't come overnight, so it's important to be patient and keep pushing forward.
  2. Stay up-to-date with marketing techniques: The internet is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay current with the latest marketing techniques and best practices. This means investing time in self-development and keeping a close eye on what's working for other successful businesses in your industry.
  3. Never give up: Starting and running a business can be challenging, and there will be times when you face setbacks or obstacles. However, it's important to stay positive, stay focused on your goals, and never give up. With hard work and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mystylebox.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mystylebox
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystylebox.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mystylebox2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystylebox/

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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