Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Ross, Owner of The Corner Spot, located in Toronto, ON, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are The Corner Spot hair salon! We opened in the Beach Hill community in 2017, offering gender-neutral services in an inclusive, warm and relaxed atmosphere. It is important to keep our prices affordable for our clients while delivering exceptional service to offer everyone a luxury salon experience.
Tell us about yourself
I have been passionate about hair since childhood and dreamed of being a hairstylist for most of my life; unfortunately, I was unable to attend school for hair and instead went into interior design. I quickly realized that it was not for me, and began working as an assistant in a Toronto salon in 2010. I moved on to work in a barbershop in 2013, mostly doing administrative/managerial work, and excelled at this side of the business quickly. While I am very passionate about hair, my having ADHD makes it difficult for me to connect with clients, and because of this, I have realized I am much better suited to operations rather than services and that I prefer it.
I love enabling my staff to create beautiful hair and make people feel great about their appearance, but the most fulfilling part of what I do is watching the business I created to succeed and grow. We could not have chosen a better community to join. The Beach Hill community has supported us since opening day, and being a part of its ongoing revitalization has brought many new friends and relationships into my life that I admire and value.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Before 2020 I may not have had any one definitive answer to this question, and my response would probably have highlighted our opening. After 2020 however, and without a doubt, surviving the pandemic has been our biggest feat. As a small business owner, I truly feel I can be faced with nothing as challenging. I am privileged and grateful to have made it to the other side.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I can talk about the lack of work/life balance or imposter syndrome, but the hardest thing for me personally in business has also been my best teacher - dealing with the unexpected. Between managing relationships with staff, maintenance issues, and pandemic, you learn to roll with the punches. With each blow, you learn how to become more resilient and more prepared.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You CAN do it.
- Keep going.
- Get yourself a really good accountant.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thecornerspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecornerspot1917
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecornerspot/
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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