Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ksenia Kazantseva, founder of Created by Ksenia, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Created by Ksenia. It is a company that provides outsourced creative services to individuals, artists, independent businesses, and larger companies. These creative services include (but are not limited to) styling, content creation, copywriting, photography, and creative consulting. I worked independently and started my company after getting a few long-term contracts with various companies.
Tell us about yourself
Combining my creative passions and writing skills, I started Created by Ksenia to encompass all my services in one convenient business. During the first pandemic lockdown, I began expanding my creative passions and using my time to focus on what made me get through — and really enjoy the day. Serendipitously, I connected with one artist and offered them a photoshoot with an original concept. They agreed, and I styled, photographed and creative directed the whole thing. I remember being so excited and inspired by my own work (lol) that I just started creating as much as I possibly could with whoever was available and willing! I always had the drive to lean into fashion and photography, but I was so focused on achieving my dreams of working in children’s psychology that I never pursued it in full. What started as a hobby became a business that I am fully in love with. My contracts keep me focused and busy while also giving me creative room to express myself and create original art from various mediums.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Ahhh, that’s hard… the biggest accomplishment, I would say, is seeing an individual grow and expand with your support. To this day, one of my most consistent clients is the one I worked with first. I love building relationships with my clients to really understand their direction and honestly gain a long-term team member. You become a team with all the people you consistently work with. Nothing feels better than knowing someone values you to the extent of bringing you into their dream team.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The inconsistent money and the pressure you put on yourself. Depending on what business you have, the money is inconsistent, especially in the beginning. And that can be really hard. You realize you can’t fully rely on it yet until you’re making steady money. There’s definitely something comforting working a 9-5 vs. working on a contract. Consistent money is very appealing. It’s a lot of networking to get new contacts, and you can end up putting hours in without a penny in return. That can be really difficult and discouraging. Having goals is important but don’t put incredible pressure on yourself to succeed right away, or you’ll end up hating it. Be realistic, enjoy the process, and don’t get hard on yourself. Keep pushing. The investment always ends up being worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Building a website is easier than you think. Unless you have the money, you don’t need to hire someone to create it for you. Have the branding, message, and content ready, and then use your creative mind to lay it out the way you’d like to.
- Make sure you have your accounting and expenses organized!!
- You’ll never look back and regret it. Joy your ideas down, and the passion will end up driving you there.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If it’s your passion, don’t overlook it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createdbyksenia/
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.
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