Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexa and Paige Ventrici, Founder of Shop Afton, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Shop Afton is a Toronto small business that provides everyday elevated accessories to girls and women across Canada. We specialize in personalized accessories, including makeup bags, jewelry, and slippers - perfect for any gal who wants to elevate their personal style and truly make it their own.
Tell us about yourself
We are two sisters who have always had a passion for business and creating. While shopping online in the past, we realized quickly that the accessories we loved were either way too expensive or inaccessible to Canadian shoppers. This was when we realized there was a gap in the market for everyday girls like us who wanted cool accessories at a generous price point accessible to all! That's when we started Shop Afton.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Putting our name on something and truly calling it our own! Anyone can start a business, but it takes hard work and dedication to keep going, no matter what obstacles are thrown at you. We are truly honored every time someone places an order with us because it proves that our customers believe in us and see value in what we are offering. We are very proud that we've been able to expand our business beyond the Greater Toronto Area and reach new customers in other Canadian provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being in the fashion/consumer goods industry, you always have to think about "what's next." What are people looking for? What's hot for the upcoming season? Is it a trend or a fad? We are constantly doing research to stay up to date on the latest trends and bring in popular styles that our consumers will love!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you do something that you love! Running a business is not easy, but if you turn your passion into a job, you won't have to work a day in your life!
- Utilize social media - we've generated quite a few sales from Instagram and TikTok. It's easy and free to use!
- Never give up - you will face some roadblocks along the way, but it's the businesses that keep going that make them stand out from the rest.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://shopafton.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopafton/
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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