Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home decor but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yien Truong, Founder and Owner of Sunset Cement, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I make home decor items out of concrete. It's not your everyday sidewalk type of concrete but high-performance, eco-friendly concrete. I make planters, bowls, trays, and items such as vases, jewelry trays, and soap dishes. My customers come from all over North America.

Tell us about yourself

I had always wanted to work with concrete. It started when I first saw a contractor working with concrete in my backyard. However, many years passed, and I never had the opportunity due to space and life commitments. Fast forward to the pandemic times, and I thought there was no better time than the present. I had always been a hobby maker but never saw myself as an artist until I started working with concrete. There is just so much one can do with concrete; it really just surprises me every day. From the colours to the texture and any form you can imagine. Just think, we use concrete to build a home to an art piece on your wall.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I first started working with concrete, I'm pretty sure people would be wondering when will I'd be bored with this hobby, but everyone was very supportive as it was my outlet I also needed to cope with the everyday life stresses. Now, I create every piece with pride, photograph, manage the website, shipping, marketing, you name it, and the whole business on my own. A one-person business.

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

I had to learn all the skills needed to run a small business one at a time. Building my own website and taking photos can be a challenge. But very rewarding when you get your first sale online.

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

  1. One of the biggest tips I could give anyone who wants to start their own business is to figure out their niche market. There are a lot of people doing a lot of things, and to stand out and make something your own, you need to find something that will set you apart from the others.
  2. You have to enjoy what you are doing. It can't be a job. You have to want to get up every morning and get inspired.
  3. Don't feel shameless; go and self-promote. No one will do it for you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun with it! If it fails, try again. There are a lot of resources out there.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sunsetcement.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetcement
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetcement/

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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