Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Delphine Veilleux, co-founder, and CEO of Rosaseven, located in Squamish, BC, Canada.

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

We are a sustainable period underwear brand - made in Vancouver. Our goal is to empower women during their period, making them look beautiful and feel feminine, protected & comfortable.

We challenge the status quo of mass production by being a slow fashion brand with a positive impact on the environment. Our fabrics are organic and mostly sourced in North America. All our decisions take into consideration the environmental situation (choice of suppliers, trims, packaging, delivery, etc.)

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from France and spent ten years working in a global sports company as a global brand manager and felt at one point I needed to do something that was more meaningful for me and aligned with my values. I took two years of what I call my fertile emptiness (during which I moved to Canada and had my first baby). One night (my little boy was six months old), I went to bed with a vision of creating a very feminine yet super comfortable period underwear brand that would be made in Canada. I took my love for lingerie and my passion for sustainability and combined them together. Since that night, I moved forward one step at a time and haven't looked back since.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a mom-preneur and trying to tackle everything together. After posting an ad on LinkedIn looking for a designer at the very beginning of the journey, Miriam was one of the few that responded. I immediately felt she was a match, and she became a co-founder with me. I am so happy I trusted my instinct. She is the Head of Design & Product, and her expertise is amazing and brings immensely to Rosaseven. We share the same values and also have very complimentary personalities, which I feel is super key to balancing things out as entrepreneurs. To receive amazing feedback from our customers.

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

To gain visibility in a big world of over advertising & algorithm. To handle everything at the same time (Mom life, entrepreneur life, partner time, me time, etc.) The financial stress and how long it takes to be profitable. To understand all the back office of a business - especially when it is not your original country - accounting, taxes, laws, etc.

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

  1. Start on your idea and just go one step after another. In the beginning, it doesn't need any investment - just your brain, your gut, and your motivation.
  2. Talk about your business idea - saying things out loud and being questions help you to define what it is and why you are doing it. Leave the non-constructive comments on the side; some people, by definition, are scared/have their own fears to tackle. Once you have a business, connect with other entrepreneurs. Even close to your field. It's amazing how people are happy to connect, share best practices, and help.
  3. Stay true to who you are. No matter what. Never forget why you do what you do. Example: It would be so easy to produce in Asia and spend the difference on marketing to grow faster, but this is not who we are and how we want to do it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It is not an easy journey. The roller coaster is real. So many days you want to give up, but until that light is still on inside you, even a tiny bit, keep moving. Some days are slower, and it's ok. Make sure you are surrounded by people that support you mentally and emotionally. Without my partner's faith, it would have been so much harder.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rosaseven.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/38qkm2u
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosaseven_lingerie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delphineveilleux/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.