Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Sadler, CEO of The Local Studio, located in Port Carling, ON, Canada.

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

The Local Shoppe - we believe less is more as long as it's exceptional quality and local, of course! A home or cottage should be a place of refuge, comfort, relaxation, good times, and love. We think the items you surround yourself with should tell a story, have some soul, and give you a sense of pride and joy. A piece should showcase its value in craftsmanship and design and the value you, as the owner, are giving back to the local economy and artists. At The Local Shoppe, you know every piece has been designed with passion. It's this energy and love for our local artists and craftspeople that lead us to launch this platform. We want to spread the word and showcase all the awesomeness Canada has to offer. You check out knowing someone in our Canadian community worked hard to create this unique piece, and you can feel proud enjoying and displaying it in your home.

The Local Studio Interior Design firm - is a full-service, turn-key Interior Design firm specializing in unique and functional luxe spaces. The success of this studio is not only a tribute to our collaborative creativity but also to our high level of organization and communication. Our team implements a calculated step-by-step process that results in truly satisfying and awestriking results. We undertake all of the projects to share attention to detail and material at both the large and the small scale, a thorough engagement of the clients involved, and a profound connection of buildings to their natural contexts. We implement a biophilic design approach, source the best quality finishes and fixtures, and really value the importance of both functionality and aesthetics of a build.

Tell us about yourself

I am and always have been obsessed and infatuated with beautiful moments. Moments are found in art, architecture, spaces, people, and nature. Noticing these moments, appreciating them, chasing them, and creating them. When I figured out I was good at it and that I could create these moments for myself and others for a living, I was hooked! The Local Studio has flourished into a super talented group of designers and associates. We are very collaborative, and our company culture supports high-level creativity and personal wellness. On this journey of interior design, it's always been a value and passion of mine to try to support local artists as much as possible. I kept found it a bit tricky and time-consuming to source these resources for my clients. You had to really know someone who knew someone and so forth. Light bulb moment! Why don't we create a platform that we and others can easily find to support Canadian-designed home décor products in one easy, efficient spot. This was the fruition of The Local Shoppe.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making my dreams come true! Stepping into an innovative female leadership role where I can use my leadership and business to thrive from an economic standpoint and support my associates financially and mentally. For example, we just launched a 4day work week piolet that I'm coining Mindset Mondays.

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

It's a lot of pressure and responsibility. You support your staff's livelihoods, but you are also responsible and liable for all the work performed for the clients. There are so many things to be juggling at once in the business and family, parenting, socializing, etc. I've done a lot of work around time management and prioritizing vs. delegating tasks. Still learning so much every day!

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

  1. Start with a very detailed business plan. This really gets you thinking about all the details involved, establishes your mission, logistics, and goals. I constantly turn back to it to ground myself.
  2. Know when to let go a bit and delegate or get help for tasks that aren't your strong suit to others. Makes space for you to do your thing/talent. If sending out invoices isn't your passion - hire an admin or virtual assistant who loves doing that stuff. They will be faster at it, and now you have more time for what you bring to the business. That's what makes the moolah, after all!
  3. Hire an accountant.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please support local and check out all our goodies at The Local Shoppe!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thelocalstudio.ca/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_localstudio/
https://www.instagram.com/thelocalstudio/

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.