Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacey Schnarr, Founder and CEO of Raised80s, located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Raised80s excels at gifting and technology solutions for employee, client, and event activations. All items are sourced from small, diverse, and ethical businesses. This means allowing our large corporate clients to gift and create swag that is meaningful and gets into the hands of the recipients creatively. We accomplish this by using white-labeled Shopify stores, QR codes, and unique registration methods.
We provide all the services required for large corporations and events to purchase from these small businesses. We also give 2% of all REVENUE to charities we love. In the past, they have centered around empowering youth and environmental causes.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve had a long corporate career ahead of becoming an entrepreneur. I found a ton of joy in my optional responsibilities, including being part of the DE&I team at Eli Lilly Canada and their global lead for the ALLY program that is based on LBGTQ+ inclusion and celebration. I knew this was an area I wanted to become more involved.
During the pandemic, we kept hearing about the need to connect teams in new ways and the need to connect directly with our communities and small businesses. That is how Raised80s was born. We now utilize this lens in all we do. We try to connect people with meaningful gifts that are sourced from diverse and ethical small businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
From day one, Raised80s has pledged 2% of all REVENUE to charities we love. That means that in our first few years, we have given over 30K to some amazing causes that are close to our hearts. Ten Oaks camp for LGBTQ+ kids, New Leaf yoga, bringing mindfulness to inner-city youth, Tree Canada and GEM, girls e-mentorship program. This is definitely what I am most proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge is probably the one you hear all time-juggling all the roles and responsibilities. Being an entrepreneur means you do all the jobs at one time or another.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start. A little progress everyday really adds up over time.
- You can totally figure it out as you go. Ask questions.
- Find a person that you can bounce ideas off of that really has your best interests at heart. This is invaluable.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.raised80s.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raised80s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raised_80s/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raised80s/
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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