Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anita Cane, owner of Sienna Flora, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Sienna Flora is a curated plant shop in the heart of Little Portugal, Toronto. Our hand-selected houseplants, ceramics, and plant care items, along with expert advice, are what makes our shop so loved. Sienna Flora's clientele consists mostly of people living in the adjacent neighborhoods with a splash of GTA folks.

Tell us about yourself

Art and nature have always been my passions in life. After a successful career as a Hair & Makeup Artist in the film industry (15 years), I decided to call it quits and do something completely different. Many life moments directed me towards Horticulture as a new career but now more than killing my own houseplants and trying to figure out "what happened!?". After receiving an education in horticulture, I gained hands-on experience as an Interior Plant Designer and a Gardener. Opening my own plant shop was an intimidating idea that became more solid with a well-thought business plan and a retail rental opportunity I could not say no to. The thrill of selecting the very best products for my customers keeps me inspired every day. Daily motivations come from my family, friends, and community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a new business owner is that I actually did it! It is such a wild ride from the moment you decide to switch careers to deciding to open up a small business. I often told myself, "this is too much," but once you start writing that business plan, meeting with investors, and sourcing products, there's no stopping. Taking your idea from concept to reality is a super cool feeling.

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

All aspects of starting a new business can be stressful at the beginning, even when they're fun and exciting. The important thing to remember is that some mistakes will be made, and troubleshooting is the first step to being better. It's incredible to look back and remember how it all began, appreciate the now, and zero in on the future.

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

  1. For me, making myself an expert at all things Plants was key. It's always great to be passionate about your industry and keep educating yourself.
  2. When writing your business plan, think big create the very best concept for your shop/product/service. Strive to be one of the best in your industry and stick to it.
  3. "Create an amazing shop and don't rip people off" was some of the best advice I was given. Excellent products/services don't have to cost more than the industry standards.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's easy to put big ideas off, but if you start now, you're one step ahead.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://siennaflora.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siennafloraplants/

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.