Something for Everybody - The Local of Louis Creek Artisan Market

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cari Crawford, founder of The Local of Louis Creek Artisan Market, located in Louis Creek, BC, Canada.

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

I have opened an artisan market! My vision was to open a welcoming and friendly space where there was "something for everyone," where the whole family could feel at ease. My mandate was to source inventory from local talent. I am proud of the eclectic assortment of inventory, including such treasures as pottery, honey, visual art, stones and gems, vintage items, spices, antiques, jams and jellies, metal garden art, candles, as well as Belgium chocolate, to name just a sample of what we have in store. We welcome many highway travelers as we are conveniently located right on the highway 5 km South of Barriere. The local community has shown great support as well. They are thrilled with the selection and unique products that arrive weekly.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and I believe putting this business together was in my stars all along. The building I am using housed my Dad's antique store for 15 years, and after he retired two years ago, the building sat empty. I have had a very successful teaching career, and last spring came to the conclusion I needed to switch things up with my job to allow for more creativity and self-direction in my life. In April, I set ideas and actions in motion to launch a July 1, 2021, open date. I absolutely love what I am doing! Every second of this journey has been exciting, fulfilling, creative and rewarding. I described it to a friend as "Christmas every day." I am creating a space where people feel welcome - welcome to come and just browse (the antiques and vintage items often lead people down memory lane) find the perfect gift or that "I just have to have" item for themselves. I get to meet and communicate with customers every day, connect with artists and creators and fill my space with unique, whimsical, and beautiful items.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my ability to create a welcoming space and to communicate compassionately and effectively with people. Positive communication where everyone is heard and respected is vitally important to me.

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

The amount of time required! As I have a retail business, it was clear to me from the beginning that it would be open seven days a week. It's hard to shop at a business that is closed. So there are the hours required that involve running the shop and an almost equal amount of hours required to source products and artists, communicate with them on an ongoing basis, keep up with paperwork as well as social media and emails. Due to the complexity of the store's inventory, we are often doing a quick re-staging when a large piece sells, and we need to fill the space and/or move product to a new area. I am beyond grateful for the staff I have and the family support. Both my family and my staff go above and beyond to support me and this adventure!

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

Have a clear vision of your why (for me, it was to be in a work environment that was flexible, fun, that I had control over (ability to make an immediate change when something wasn't working or needed attention, as well as not interrupt something that was working), that brought joy.
Understand the time commitment.
Know your strengths and where you could benefit from having someone else bring their strengths to the table to support you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLocalofLouisCreek/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocal_louiscreek/

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.