I’m a self-employed art director & graphic designer with a burning desire to turn passion for a hobby into a career, and escape the typical, mundane 9-5 work week. I started the clothing company, Inaugural Season, a few years ago as a creative outlet for myself. Something I could have full control and final say over. It’s the most challenging and rewarding venture I have ever undertaken. Based in Toronto, Canada, Inaugural Season’s epitaph has been woven together from travels abroad and inspired by daily life in the bustling metropolis.
- As a startup, what roadblocks have you faced and how have you overcome them?
When I first started Inaugural Season (and left the 9-5 to become self-employed, for that matter) it was because of my passion and vision to build a life and career for myself, in my own way. There are challenges everyday, at every turn and around every corner. That is part of the process. Taking the riskier path is certainly not for everyone. I think the key, is looking at these “roadblocks” as tests of your character, work ethic and patience. Having the right mindset to overcome these challenges is the biggest roadblock of them all. Things will go wrong and not work out as planned. Will you let that keep you down or will your perseverance and determination to succeed define you. If you are willing to get out of bed every morning and tackle these challenges head on, you will eventually find success.
- What’s the number one bootstrapping tip you can give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
In this day an age, you can find any information you need on the Internet. It’s all there at our fingertips, countless resources. Times are tight; you have to be smart and careful with your capital, absolutely, but with that said, don’t be afraid to pay someone to do the tasks or jobs in the areas that you are weak in. Surround yourself with a network of people that can strengthen your brand. Do what you are good at and what makes the most sense for your business to be successful. Many things can be outsourced, to leave you with the proper time you need to focus on your strengths. Early on, I had the mindset that as an entrepreneur, I must do everything on my own. I’d spend countless hours trying to become an expert in marketing and accounting and sales, etc. It’s completely unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong; I try to learn something new every single day. I am constantly reading, watching and listening to experts, to expand my entire set of tools. I think that hustle mindset is inherent with being an entrepreneur. But, a lot of wasted time and frustration was spent trying to force a square peg into a round hole. In the end, I accepted that sometimes paying someone to be an expert for you, is a better investment than spending way more time (and money) trying to become an expert yourself.
- Do you have a business plan? Do you think it’s important?
I do have an old business plan that is probably in need of some revisions. I think it is extremely important to have a plan. Otherwise, you are just making decisions based on the current needs/wants of your business, rather than following the overarching vision and taking the necessary steps to reach your ultimate goal. There are lots of great online resources to get you started, such as Futurpreneur Canada is one that I used early on.
- Do you agree with the statement, “fail fast, fail often?”
I don’t agree. But I can understand the ideology behind it. Making mistakes is part of the game. You live, you learn; hopefully you don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. Nobody wakes up in the morning with the intentions of failing that day, but it happens. As long as the mistakes aren’t catastrophic or harmful to the long-term success of your business, learning from your errors is just part of the process. I have gained so much knowledge and experience in ‘the struggle’. If I succeeded the first time around at everything I did, I’d miss out on those hard fought lessons you can only learn from failing and then picking yourself up off the mat to try again.
- What’s your experience with the entrepreneurial community in Toronto?
Toronto’s entrepreneurial community is vast and easily accessible. I’ve had very positive experiences with MaRS, Toronto Fashion Incubator and the Passion for Fashion program put on by Youth Employment Services just to name a few. Set aside some time to browse these sites, I guarantee that you will find them of great use. There are countless workshops, organizations, classes and opportunities found there to gain experience and expand your network.
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