Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Agata Golabek, founder of Lavender Tree. Co, located in Gatineau, QC, Canada.

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

My business is a multi-hyphenate creative space filled with natural soy candles, soaps, and bath salts that all fragrances have been inspired by earth and its simplicity. My customers and the individuals that would like to feel relaxed, unwind, and bring back beautiful memories that are captured into fragrance. It's a safe and friendly place for all who would like to take small steps towards sustainability and wellness without a dramatic change in their lifestyle yet feeling good.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Agata, and I'm the face, designer, maker, owner of Lavender Tree. Co. The story behind LT started in my 20s, I struggled with high stress in the work environment and personal challenges that caused severe migraines. No medication could help me, so I started to take small steps and start to eliminate toxic ingredients from my day-to-day life, from paraffin candles to natural wax and fragrances. Since I've been a candle lover all my life and very sensitive to scents, I decided to learn and discover how to improve this part of my daily essentials. I tested my candles on myself, and I realized that my headaches appeared less often. I felt calmer when I had my small ritual lighting a candle in the morning and evening, just like meditation without knowing about it. Then I was gifting my creations to my friends, and thanks to their encouragement, LT.Co was created.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Definitely, starting a business. Learning everything step by step, it's been stressful but very rewarding. The realization that everything is possible and learning new skills despite your age gives an enormous boost of energy.

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

Saying NO to some of the customers. This will come with time and experience. I am a cancer and people pleaser, but I discovered what customers I would like to work with after my business started to grow. I realized slowly how I would like to make people feel instead of pleasing everyone else just to have a sale that actually cost more of my energy than was worth it. But I believe this is a personal journey to learn about yourself and how you want your business to be.

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

  1. Get an accountant and learn about bookkeeping! I thought I could do everything by myself, and it was the biggest mistake. Your business will take off in the least expecting moment. This will be a nightmare going through all your transactions by yourself for the taxation period. Trust me, getting an accountant to set you up and organize at the very beginning will save you lots of grey hair!
  2. Take it slow. Don't feel like you have to take every custom order out there. Choose a couple of things and perfect them. Doing everything and nothing won't give you the ability to get recognized out there.
  3. Make your website simple. Too much fluff will make people confused. If you like to add more information about your product, start a blog and send a newsletter. This is a great and personal approach.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a business is overwhelming, but it is important to get out from your comfort zone not for business and money but for yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lavendertree.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavendertree.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavendertree.co/

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.