Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brenda Abram Nakamura, owner of Love My Sarong Shop & Sunlit Bay, located in Restoule, ON, Canada.

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

‘Love My Sarong Shop’ is for women who love the feel of the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair. It’s a carefree mindset approach to fashion and life. Every day is a good hair day when you tie it back and place beautiful silk or hand-made leather flower in your hair. ‘Love My Sarong Shop’ sells beautiful Artisan sarongs that are the quick tie solutions to “what to wear”? Sarongs are the most versatile apparel ever. Jump out of bed and wrap yourself in a sarong for an easy quick-dress feeling to start your day. Tie it as a scarf at the office. A must at the beach as a bathing suit cover or a picnic blanket. We even use them as artwork and decor for a special party and for everyday FUN!. Sarongs come in bright colors, leopards, classic black, boho white, and deep earthy contrasts.

Love My Sarong Shop was birthed at my lifelong business Sunlit Bay. ‘Love My Sarong Shop’ is a fun beach, surf, and fashion store. We also have an online shop experience in Etsy and Instagram. Sunlit Bay is a private large natural sandy beach in northern Ontario. We host the outdoorsy type who love the quiet nature, sounds of loons, and a crackling campfire. Getaway to a Lakeview cabin, beach Bunkie, or pitch a tent in our Pergola Lakefront campsite. Pack light as your Muskoka chairs, charcoal bbq, cafe table set will be waiting for you decked out with twinkle light on your pergola. Your vacation retreat will be so relaxing and refreshing.

When you buy a sarong or rent a beach vacation, you not only will have a great time, but a portion of your money goes to missions all around the world. We support women in need through fair-trade artisans in Thailand, Malaysia, Columbia, and multiple Ministries. We love blessing others!!!

Tell us about yourself

I’m a bit of a boho hippie born in the ’60s, a disco dancer from the ’70s, and have always loved Spanish music … Sunlit Bay has been my childhood property my whole life. My parent’s dream was a burger barn, but that wasn’t my forte, so I turned it into my passion. For a restful simple way of living with lots of fun and color in ‘Love My Sarong Shop’ circa 1999.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment in business, I would say, is my tenacity and strategy. Let me explain; I think entrepreneurs and business people have a vision but tend to give up or quit if they don’t get results right away. Business is about building. Building character, building a plan and making the skills it takes to execute that plan. Yes, you could say I am living the dream now, but honestly, life happens. Just like an airplane, I have been, of course, so many times. Business is tough, and we must work hard. Business takes money, a lot of money. Sometimes you have to do the stuff you don’t like in order to save money and build equity. Then, you are able to leverage that equity to live your dream.

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

The hardest thing I find in being a business owner is keeping focused on the right thing. The right thing for you. We live in a world of distraction and division. You have to fight all that minutia off with everything you have and keep focused on your purpose, goal, and dream!

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

My top tips are… Gain Clarity on where you are and where you want to be. Start with the end in mind and figure out all the big and little steps it will take to get you there. Seriously the baby steps matter. Curbing your spending and not wasting time or money on things that are not part of your dream.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Life is not a dress rehearsal, so make sure you do what you love and plan every area of your life. Health is the most important thing, with that you can plan your happiness. With love, Brenda Abram Nakamura @hip_camp_restoule

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LoveMySarongShop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_my_sarong_shop/

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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