Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cat McCrimmon, owner of Rustic Daisy's, located in Waterdown, ON, Canada.

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

I am the owner of Rustic Daisy's in the heart of Waterdown Village and Canada in a Box. Both businesses are for lovers of supporting locals. Everything in the store is made in Canada, and 80% of the store is handmade items made right here in Ontario. When the pandemic hit, we wanted to launch a company that would bring Canadian-made products to your home, thus, we started Canada in a Box, a gift-giving company for customers who would like to send high-quality products to their friends' doorsteps.

We know and understand that not everyone has a huge budget, so we have geared our store so that you can get a thoughtful gift for just $10 and up, depending on who it's for and the occasion. We also have a lot of items we have fallen in love with that customers use in their homes and come back time after time to replenish.

Tell us about yourself

I started loving local when I was just 18 years old. I worked my way up at a local family-run farmers market, loved meeting my neighbours and community, and became friends with many. In 2017 I knew I wanted to run my own business, but perishable items like fruits and veggies didn't entice me, but keeping it local was.

I was one of the first in the area to start a handmade shop and have slowly grown in the community to a reputable store that people love coming in and finding a new exciting products that they haven't seen anywhere else. I love meeting new people and chatting about what inspires them. This has helped me learn about the products I carry in the store by developing lasting relationships with the makers. I then have a passion for who they are and what they make, which I can share with the customers to learn how special each product is. The constant meeting and collaboration with new individuals help grow the business and change the direction of the products to keep the store fresh.

Canada in a Box which we started in 2021, has been a whole lot of fun. With the help of some very talented people, we have created a product from the ground up that we each are very proud of. Seeing a product from a vision and word board comes to a tangible product that I can share and hold keeps me motivated to share LOCAL with the greater Canadian community. Possibilities are endless, and that is what keeps me going day after day, month after month, to push boundaries, become something different and unique compared to other gift boutiques, and serve my customers with endless possibilities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would have to be purchasing my building. The store started as a blank canvas that I have been able to transform into a warm, inviting shop that feels like a home; people are always welcomed, and with so much to look at, they want to stay for hours. The purchasing of the building has helped me through the pandemic month by month as well as given me the security to build my dream the way I vision it.

Another major accomplishment was to be recognized by the FCoC (Flamborough Chambers of Commerce) in 2021 for the resilience award. Nominated by customers and chosen by a panel, I know that I continue to be recognized in my community for shifting to stay prominent in the community while also boosting morale with other store owners and donating time and money to charities in our community. I love what I do and that I have a platform to help promote it.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the insecurities you feel. I regularly struggle with the unheard questions/statements- I'm not doing enough, I'm not known enough, I'm not working long enough, I can do better, how come they look like they are doing better? How come they have more customers? How come it's so quiet today? etc.

These questions flood our minds because we see others on social media whom we presume are doing better than we are. Who we presume are getting all the sales and all the customers. Who we presume are working endless hours and have the answers to all the thoughts we are thinking. It's a weekly challenge to continue being your own cheerleader and knowing that you are doing exactly what you can. Making it through the pandemic and even growing while doing it shows that consistency does, in fact, work and that I might not be where I want to be, but that, like the story of the turtle and the hare, the turtle, in fact, wins.

As a business owner, I have to constantly remind myself of this story and know that I will get everything I ever wanted if I just stay the course and do not allow the social media world and vision of others to take over.

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

  1. Stay true to who you are and your values.
  2. Create a great support system of people who might not always be a customer but will cheer you on and help you on the dark days - have people who love to talk about you positively and believe in you.
  3. Be passionate about what you do- the hours are long, and your brain won't turn off even if you try, so you have to absolutely love what you are doing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Determination, inspiration, hard work, and just winging it go into building a business. I am always learning and will continue to make mistakes, and that's ok as long as I can learn, adapt, and grow. I ask myself every time I have a moment of weakness... "If you give up and shut the doors and go do something different, would you be happy?" and the answer is always "NO."

If interested in ordering a box for a friend, please visit Canada in a Box.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rusticdaisys.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rusticdaisys
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusticdaisys/

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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