Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roxane Tracey, owner of Fresh Paint Studio + Cafe, located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a community-based art studio and cafe which invites adults and youth to explore their creativity through our art workshops, paint nights, art classes, and paint parties. We believe that all generations should have the opportunity to create art fearlessly in an inviting community arts space.
Tell us about yourself
As a local visual artist, I was forced to constantly ask for permission. Permission to show and sell my artwork and permission to use artistic spaces to bring my ideas to life. I wanted to stop asking for permission and instead have more control over my destiny. Instead of asking for a seat at the table, I wanted to build my own.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is surviving a global pandemic in the fifth year of business. This accomplishment was focused on a pivot or perish mindset that I had to adopt in order for the business to survive. This meant embracing the virtual space as well as embracing the world of shipping and logistics as it relates to delivering art materials in the form of art kits to clients nationally.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner is determining how to scale your business when it starts to grow as well as how to effectively hire staff who can execute your vision.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- When you are faced with immediate or long-term gain, think big picture and try to make strategic decisions based on long-term, big picture growth.
- Go out of your way to nurture staff and humanize the work experience.
- Remain confident and continue to take calculated risks within your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being an entrepreneur is a commitment to betting on yourself and believing in your ability to keep rising when you fall down.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.freshpaintstudio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshPaintStudioCafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshpaintto/
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.