Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Khira Zyma, Owner of The Indecent Soap Co., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own The Indecent Soap Co. I create (mostly) inappropriate soap and bath products for anyone with a sense of humour... and especially for people who don't!
Tell us about yourself
After losing my job due to Covid, I was frustrated and scared about the future. I've always found safety in creative outlets, and somehow I turned to soap as a medium. I learned very quickly that I was in over my head, but I love a challenge, and somehow a small business has grown out of it. I'm humbled every day that my community has been so supportive. I take immense pride in being a local Calgary business, and it's so important for me to have strong community roots. All the love shown to us since we started is overwhelming, and I'm so grateful that I can support local artisans as well.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to pinpoint an accomplishment that feels rightfully "mine"- every success The Indecent Soap Co. has had is because of the unending support from my family, friends, and the community. If I have to claim one, I would say that my biggest accomplishment is being a business owner for (almost) 3 years now. As a woman with ADHD, having a learning disability makes it incredibly hard to maintain anything long-term!
The fact that I've overcome so many hurdles as a neurodivergent person is very empowering. The understanding of ADHD and its representation in society is terribly lacking, and having the opportunity to advocate as an ND in a neurotypical world is something I hold very dear.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Oh man, the hardest thing about being a business owner? Staying motivated, keeping organized, finances... there are too many to list; it's all hard! For me, it's definitely the imposter syndrome. I still get shocked when we get an order online- like, I'm so grateful and excited every single time! It's wild to me that something I created is not only appreciated but has demand?! It's really validating, but I'm working on my confidence so we can take The Indecent Soap Co to the next level- whatever that may be.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take your time and stay organized!! Seriously, from the very beginning. Take the time to review what steps to take in order for you to start your business successfully - and then take MORE time to complete those steps properly. If I had done that, I wouldn't be drowning in half-baked ideas and tax receipts!
- Confidence. There are over 7 billion people on Earth - it's a mathematical guarantee that you will have interest in your business, no matter what it is. It's up to you to believe in yourself and your business enough to share it with the world and find your audience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theindecentsoapco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theindecentsoapco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindecentsoapco/
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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