Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tammy Sofer, Chief Flossing Officer of SimplyFloss, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SimplyFloss is designed as an alternative floss with the specific goal of making it easier for people to floss. Our aim is to get more people flossing.
Tell us about yourself
Following in the footsteps of my Dentist Grandfather and Orthodontist Father, the importance of regular flossing was drilled (haha, get it?) into my DNA. But the biggest complaint I would hear from my patients during my 25+ years practicing as a Dental Hygienist was how much they HATED flossing. They'd tell me it was too hard, it hurts, or they never had floss lying around when they needed it. So instead of continuing to nag my patients to do something they didn't enjoy, I decided to come up with a solution that would encourage people to turn their "occasional floss" into a simple and easy daily flossing habit.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Developing a strong brand identity: Building a recognizable and trustworthy brand has been very important for us, including developing a unique logo, establishing a brand voice, and creating a consistent visual identity that resonates with our target audience.
Being able to expand our product line and customer base: Expanding our product line and reaching new customers has been very important for the growth of our business. We use targeted marketing campaigns and identify new market opportunities.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, I wear many hats and juggle multiple responsibilities. I need to be a leader, manager, marketer, accountant, and more, often all at the same time. This can be overwhelming and requires a high level of adaptability, multitasking skills, and the ability to delegate effectively.
Another challenge that I often face is managing my time effectively. Running a business requires a lot of time and effort, and it can be difficult to balance the demands of work with other responsibilities and personal obligations.
Lastly, owning a business can be emotionally challenging. The pressure to succeed, uncertainty about the future, and the stress of managing suppliers, customer needs, and finances can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Therefore, it's important to prioritize my self-care and seek support when I need it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research and have a solid plan: Before starting a business, it's crucial to do your research and have a clear understanding of your target market, competition, and industry trends. Develop a solid business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Having a well-thought-out plan can help you stay focused, make better decisions, and secure funding if needed.
- Focus on your customers: To build a successful business, you need to focus on your customers and provide them with the best possible experience. This means understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points and tailoring your products or services accordingly. Listen to their feedback and use it to improve your offerings and customer service. Happy customers are your best advocates and help you grow your business through word-of-mouth.
- Be adaptable and willing to learn: The business world is constantly evolving, and it's essential to be adaptable and willing to learn new things. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, and be open to new ideas and feedback. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new approaches, but also be willing to pivot if something isn't working. Successful business owners are often those who can adapt to change and stay ahead of the curve.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://simplyfloss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysimplyfloss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyfloss/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplyfloss/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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