Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stevie Klick, Founder of The Indoor Forest, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a biophilic design company that provides custom plant installations using preserved moss, folia, and florals. We also design and install living wall systems.
Tell us about yourself
My business began as a hobby. My friends and family started to notice my jungle growing which led me to search for ceiling and vertical solutions. After finding very little, I decided to start experimenting with different ideas. I did this for a few years, started getting photo requests for my space, and had an excessive number of roommate applicants at one point. When the pandemic hit, I was immediately thrust into a different direction but in September 2020 decided to turn my hobbies into a unique business idea. By December 2020, I had rented a studio and never looked back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Doing challenging, risky things every day while managing to stay sane, calm, and patient. My business idea is unique, so there is no easy-to-read manual. Every little step has taken thought, time, consideration, and sometimes long hours of learning a new skill, program, etc.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is balancing everything; you wear so many hats. You are pulled in so many different directions, sometimes all at once, and it can be challenging to have time for everything, let alone yourself. I am a natural artist and creative, so my brain often works in abstract ways. Lucky for me, I am also just as left-brained as I am right-brained, so I love numbers, problem-solving, spreadsheets, association, details, and science. The problem is, you can't do everything yourself, nor do you have the time. In the beginning, especially, money can be an obstacle forcing, and you learn some lessons along the way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love what you do. You will need to put everything you have and then some into it; make sure you love what you do and have an endgame/ purpose.
- Be prepared for everything to take double the time and double the cost you think it will.
- Learn to adapt. Life will throw obstacles at you, don't let them knock you out for too long. Examine the problem, adapt the solution, and pause for results.- Rinse, repeat.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theindoorforest.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theindoorforestcanada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindoorforestcanada/
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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