Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fiona Zhao, President, and Owner of Unique Bunny, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a company that specializes in selling Asian goods, including cosmetics, skincare, snacks, plushies, stationeries, and so much more. Currently, Unique Bunny has two locations and has become the main source of Asian beauty and lifestyle products in Winnipeg. Unique Bunny takes pride in ensuring all our products are authentic, high quality, and highly attuned to our customer's needs.
The popularity of Asian cosmetics has gained more attention in the past few years. Unique Bunny has been responding to this new demand successfully and has proudly been a catalyst for this increased Asian Beauty demand in Winnipeg.
Tell us about yourself
I began to open a small boutique selling Korean children's clothing, cute accessories, and Japanese plushies on Corydon Avenue Winnipeg in 2014 because I noticed that there are so many cute things that are very popular in Asia but hard to find in Winnipeg. I knew that in order to make our store stand out in a predominantly restaurant-based area, we had to offer something special and unique. Therefore we started carrying Asian beauty products and other lifestyle goods.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have met so many lovely customers on my journey; some of them have become my friends. I enjoyed seeing our customers' happy faces when they got things they wanted to buy from Asia, but it was hard to buy before they found us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Because of COVID-19, We started to face some Asian hate, and a few people refused to wear masks in stores. We have to face these and learn how to deal with different values and control our emotions. Besides my personal emotions, as owner, I also have to make our staff feel safe and comfortable working with Unique Bunny. Luckily, I have a great team and supportive customers. When our storefront was vandalized, and a customer left us a one-star google review and "wished" us bankrupt because he refused to wear a mask and we did not want to serve him, we received lots of love from our customers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Providing good service is always the key for retail stores.
- If you are selling physical products, inventory control is very important.
- There is always a hard beginning; keeping a positive attitude is very important.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would love to use this opportunity to say "Thank You" to all our customers. Without their support, Unique Bunny will never be able to run this far. I appreciate everyone who supports us!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.uniquebunny.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uniquebunnywinnipeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquebunny_wpg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-bunny/
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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