Eco-Minded Never Looked So Good - Wandering Stone Studio

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home décor but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Candice Martinuk, founder of Wandering Stone Studio, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Wandering Stone Studio is a hub of unusual decor steeped in upcycling and recycling. Founded on sustainability and community support principles, materials are often recycled and procured from local or small businesses. WSS believes in creating and curating unique items from handmade macramé to vintage. Every space should be as unique as the humans in it, a reflection of ourselves.

If you like old-school vintage with modern vibes, this is the shop for you. WSS has what you need if you're drawn to the odd and unique. The stories behind every item are as important as the item itself. This means what you're getting is more than a vase or a wall-hanging. I also offer ideas of new ways to style or use items. The ultimate desire is for our clients to be jazzed about what they're getting.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been a crafty lady. Working with found and unusual materials has been a part of life for as long as I can remember. This came in handy as I've worked in trades all my life. It got to a point where I wanted to share this with the world and other like-minded individuals. It's a journey of raw passion and massive learning. Joining the community of makers, creators and resellers have been epic. I'm also here to show my daughter that you can do anything you put your mind to. My parents showed me that with starting and running their own business, living their dream. I want to do that for her too.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was a field worker in construction for well over a decade. There were some transferrable skills, but I had never used Excel, made inventory lists, seen a sales report, or so many basic business things. I learned it, put it into practice, and continue to do so. Taking this from a fun hobby to a real thing is my biggest accomplishment. Becoming a business owner that's an accomplishment in and of itself. Stepping into something and leaning in, no matter what you're doing, is commendable. It's something any entrepreneur should feel proud of doing!

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

As the sole person in Wandering Stone Studio, it would be keeping all the plates in the air all the time. And lord knows I drop a couple here and there. It's a fine balance, and organization is the best thing for me to keep them all spinning properly. It's a lot for anyone, but when you fall into bed at night and are tired and proud, it's worth it.

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

I would say Social Media, Use the Internet as the biggest learning tool, and Hang on.

Social Media is a part of our lives whether we're a business or not. It can be a major marketing tool. It gets our story out there, mission, and product out into the world in fun ways. It doesn't seem to matter if you have an online business or a brick-and-mortar store. It can work for you behind the scenes, helping you to be seen. It's been one of the biggest tools I've used to grow.

The internet is just a wonderful thing. Whether you want to learn skills or upgrade ones you have, there's something out there for that. And in all price ranges. It's how I've gone from putting in windows to where I am.

Hang on, no matter what. Show up. Do the work. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's a mental block, a physical block, a money block. But just hang on and keep going the best you can. There have been many times when I've said I'm done ready to throw my hat in the ring. I still get up and show up the next day. Not every day is a fun day, but being able to persevere through the challenges is what's going to carry you.

If a former construction worker with no retail or business experience, who is an introvert to boot, can do this, so can you. We can do anything we put our minds to! Even if it's old or crafty.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wanderingstonestudio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderingstonestudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingstonestudio/

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.