Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gillian Thomson, Founder of Skipper, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Skipper = shower cap solved.™ Skipper shower caps are adjustable without elastic around the band, reusable, machine-washable, and made with quality materials in Canada.
When I couldn't find a shower cap that worked and was comfortable, I set out to design a new one without elastic and with better materials. It's a tool for saving hairstyles, time, money, and water and reducing plastic waste.
Tell us about yourself
Skipper started with a frustrated consumer (me). The shower caps are all based on the same old bonnet style that hasn't changed in ages. I combined my hairstyling, science, and marketing background to develop Skipper.
I started by designing a better fit, then realized how important the materials are for comfort and function. A shower cap seems so inconsequential, but it can make a huge difference in saving water and reducing plastic, not to mention the time and energy held when you skip wash day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to feel like anything is accomplished when it's one challenge after another starting a business! I'm proud that this invention is patent-pending, and finding a Canadian manufacturer to work with was a huge feat. Being in the factory while the shower caps were sewn was surreal.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Keeping a positive mindset. Especially as a solopreneur, it is tough when you have more ideas than time to bring them to life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- The overnight success stories are few and far between. Those stories are shared widely and easy to glorify but to grow a business. You need dedication and a lot of passion for your business.
- You need a support system. You can't do this alone. Whether it's your family and friends or a community of entrepreneurs, seek out a support group and be open about your struggles, so they don't overcome you.
- Start today in any way you can. You can have a portion of the product/service built out. Just get started. If you wait until everything is perfect, you'll be waiting forever and regret not starting sooner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://skipwashday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skipwashday
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipwashday/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-thomson/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.