The back room - Perseverance
I wanted to write a text on this subject, even if it goes a little outside the scope of baby clothes and mom's daily life. Let's talk a little more about what goes on in the head of the entrepreneur and the efforts they make every day to publicize and continue the activities of their business.
August 16, 2023 was a big day for me. This date marked the day that Ticoti Baby products officially entered a physical point of sale . A kind manager of the Jean Coutu pharmacy at 4534, boul. St-Joseph de Drummondville (St-Nicéphore sector) believed in me and my products. He decided to give me a nice corner in his beautiful pharmacy which welcomes hundreds of parents every month and thus allow his customers to touch the softness and offer the comfort of Ticoti Baby evolving pants. This is a huge victory for me!
But let’s take a step back… it wasn’t all done by shouting “scissors”!
When starting my small business , I wanted to share the fruit of a passion. I love sewing and I always get excited every time a new product is created. I am proud of what I do. I can't count the number of times I've gone to see my boyfriend to show him my latest creation. And when I see your minis with an item of clothing that has passed through my hands, it's ecstasy!
We start advertising on social media. We're trying to get seen on Google. We work with ambassadors to try to get their children to wear the products. We are working on the SEO of our website to try to gain places in search results. We create content on TikTok, we try to diversify.
And then, little by little, I wanted more. To offer more. To a greater number. And not just through my online store.
The day when the desire to offer products to other businesses arises. I knocked on many doors where some did not consider it relevant to answer me or others rather politely refused the invitation. It's correct.
I asked for event designers. Some refused under the pretext that I had products that were too common with others, because they did not know me. It's correct.
I was told “No” often. At least 6 “No” to have 1 “Yes”. I persevered. Every day, I celebrate every little victory, every “Yes” that is offered to me. I thank those who give me visibility, who give me the chance to participate.
There are days when I question myself. I wondered if people really liked my products. Impostor syndrome has also reared its ugly head. We take a step back, we evaluate. It will be better tomorrow.
But what do you do to gain perspective? I make clothes for my children. And then suddenly, a positive comment arrives on Instagram. A private message from an ultra-satisfied mother shares a photo of her baby. We leave a positive review on my Google page. We're sharing a post I made a few days ago. An online sale flashes on my cell phone.
You know, a sale is great! But a “Like”, a positive opinion, a share... it really boosts morale! It gives you the fuel to continue.
Every little action counts. Small businesses here have a hard time. We work hard.
With this new point of sale (already a few units sold, a week later), I have just accumulated at least 15 energy cubes to continue.
On this note, I will work on the next progressive pants and bodysuit sweaters .
-Pam. XX
