For the first time ever Queensborough Landing Shopping Centre is hosting a boutique pop-up shop event! And here is your chance to meet some of the great people and brands that we will be hosting.We chatted with a few of our May 13 – May 14 vendors to find out a bit more about themselves.
ERD SOAP – Miyuki
Who are the brains behind the business? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m the owner of Erd Soap and do everything by myself including accounting and web design. I’m ambitious, enthusiastic and passionate, and always like to do something people rarely do. I also am a bmx flatland rider for 18 years and used to compete all the time.
What first inspired you to start making homemade soaps? How did you get started?
I have a sensitive skin and psoriasis on my feet so I’m always interested in natural skin care products and soap. One day, I attended soap making class with my friend and that changed my world.
What is your favourite part about your job?
When a customer comes back to get more products from me. That explains everything.
Do you have any tips for people thinking of starting their own small business? Or attending a market for the first time? What do you wish you knew for your first market?
Don’t expect too much profit for the first market because you may be disappointed. You have to keep improving your skills and gradually gain a reputation at the markets.
What’s your favourite part about living in the lower mainland?
I can drive up to a mountain within an hour while I live in a town.
LIPANI SKINCARE – Krystel
Who are the brains behind the business? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’d love to take the credit for being the brains behind the business! However, Lipani Skincare wasn’t born out of the desire to start a company. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” I’m just a simple girl, who was looking for a skincare routine that wouldn’t leave my skin cringing. After years of suffering from skin sensitivities and allergies, I finally gave up on big name brand skincare products. I decided it was time for me to figure out what ingredients my skin needed out of a good skincare product, and most importantly, what it did not need. That’s when I started reading and learning about parabens, and how these preservatives are found in many (if not most) skincare products. Once I discovered that I was hyper-sensitive to these ingredients, I just had to find a solution to stop using them on my skin.
What first inspired you to start making skincare products? How did you get started?
When I finally determined what worked for my skin, I was excited to help others also solve their skin problems! I started doing (more) research and after a few years, I finally found the right people to work with in order to develop my own skincare line. Now I can share my skincare solutions with those in need!
What is your favourite part about your job?
My favourite part about my job is being able to teach people about maintaining beautiful, healthy skin. I’m kind of a huge health nut, so not only do I educate people about what to put on their skin, but also what foods to put in their bodies in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Healthy living goes hand in hand with having healthy skin. Your skin is directly impacted by what you feed your body. If you don’t nourish yourself adequately, your skin will reflect that.
Do you have any tips for people thinking of starting their own small business? Or attending a market for the first time? What do you wish you knew for your first market?
Starting a business (small or large) is tough! It takes persistence, dedication, and time (lots of long hours and sleepless nights). Had I known what I was getting myself into, I may not have started a business at all! It’s hard, it’s scary, and it can be overwhelming at times. But I can assure you, it is the most rewarding work you can do, knowing that your efforts will pay off.
What’s your favourite part about living in the lower mainland?
The lower mainland is filled with strong independent business women. When you need a shoulder to lean on (or cry on), or someone to ask questions to when you feel like you need help, they are there for you!
Stay tuned for more stories and we can’t wait to see you at the first pop-up shop this weekend May 13-14th!