If there is one thing we have learned throughout the pandemic, is that we should shop small! Owning a small business is an incredible skill and those who do it should not go unnoticed. Three sisters in my sorority, Alpha Omega, own their own small businesses and deserve some recognition! I asked each creator what inspired them to start their business, what products they sell and what the most rewarding part of owning their own business is. Read on to learn about each of these incredible businesses!
1. ECM Designs
What inspired you to start your small business?
E: I’ve always been a really ambitious and outgoing person. Starting my own business was always a huge dream of mine that really scared me, to be honest. I was inspired just by the fact that I really wanted to push myself and see what I could make of it!
What products do you sell?
E: I make and sell a ton of products, ranging from custom wine glasses to custom clothing. I am always trying to make new products and definitely have never limited myself to trying anything!
What has been the most rewarding part of opening a small business?
E: The most rewarding part has for sure been how it has made me feel and how it has made me grow as a person. I often find that I short myself and get in my own head a lot. As ambitious as I am, I really psych myself out at times! Starting this big project has taught me a lot of ups and downs of owning a business as well as just helped me to see what I as a person can accomplish!
Check out her Instagram: @ecm.designs and her Etsy shop: EcmdesignsStore
2. Malak Creates
What inspired you to start your small business?
M: I was inspired to start my business after making a few of these cakes for friends and family during COVID-19. It’s been tough for everyone and I wanted to give them something to celebrate with! I loved it so much that I thought I would start my business to do something fun for myself during the lockdown and it’s been so fun!
What products do you sell?
M: I sell lux dessert boxes and clients can pick what they’d like inside them! It can be Smash-Cakes, chocolate-covered fruit and cookies and even cake sickles!
What has been the most rewarding part of opening a small business?
M: The most rewarding part is being able to bring to life my clients’ vision and make these unique cakes and desserts for everyone to enjoy! I’ve loved seeing the videos of them having fun with their boxes and that has been the most rewarding!
Check out her Instagram: malakcreates
3. You Give Me Butterflies
What inspired you to start your small business?
M: I was inspired to start my business because the butterfly had always been a huge symbol in my life that represents self-reflection and growth. I’ve always been drawn to butterfly jewelry so I decided to start my own business!
What products do you sell?
M: I sell butterfly necklaces, earrings, personalized Starbucks cups and lashes!
What has been the most rewarding part of opening a small business?
M: The most rewarding part of it all is seeing how happy the customers are and seeing how much I can accomplish which makes me really proud of myself and how far I’ve come!
Check out her Instagram: you.give.me.butterflies and her website: yougivemebutterflies.ca
These three businesses are owned by incredible women that work so hard to create such amazing products! They deserve support so definitely check them out! You will not be disappointed!