{"id":2683,"date":"2017-03-08T14:12:47","date_gmt":"2017-03-08T19:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/?p=2683"},"modified":"2024-02-13T11:51:17","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:51:17","slug":"women-entrepreneur-series-building-the-community-with-public-general-store","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/blog\/women-entrepreneur-series-building-the-community-with-public-general-store\/","title":{"rendered":"Women Entrepreneur Series: Building the Community with Public General Store"},"content":{"rendered":"

After gaining experience working in the retail and customer service industries for the last few years, Olena Kozel and Erin Ahl were inspired to create their own destiny by starting Public General Store<\/a> in 2016. Olena had always known that she wanted to open up some sort of storefront focusing on small batch items and local art, while Erin, a jewellery maker, had always wanted the opportunity to offer herself and others a creative open retail environment that supports other artisans like herself. Although the pair had these goals and visions separately, when they shared their ideas with each other they realized there was potential to create a joint venture.<\/p>\n

Olena and Erin had a lot of common interests and beliefs which made them sure they would be successful business partners. They both were ready to take the risk and open a business and were both very interested in supporting both small businesses and artisans locally and nationally. \u201cWe believe that reaching out and offering artists and makers a space to showcase their products is so important,\u201d Olena shared. \u201cWe believe in the growth of our city through young entrepreneurs opening small businesses and we wanted so much to be a part of that within our community in a more permanent way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Public General Store is a modern day general store stemmed from both the want and need for a conveniently located home-goods shop in the Wolseley\/West Broadway area in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They carry products ranging from pantry supplies, cocktail items, natural plant and mineral based cleaning products, bath and home textiles, beauty products and everything in between.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

With the help of Futurpreneur Canada<\/a> and BDC<\/a>, Olena and Erin were able to bring their idea into reality. They explained that with the help they received creating their business plan<\/a> and a realistic cash flow<\/a> really helped them build the confidence they needed to be new business owners. \u201cFuturpreneur enabled us to feel comfortable asking questions and admitting that sometimes we felt like we had no idea what we were doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

With no prior business background, it can be scary starting your own business and the business duo explained that it has really taken a test of patience and perseverance. From facing challenges in regards to figuring out finances, dealing with setbacks on their opening date and renovations of the space, and giving up a steady income, it has been hard but worth it. \u201cThe day we were approved for our loans, the day we officially opened, the first time a stranger told us how much they loved our shop,\u201d the pair describes all of these things as huge milestones for them.<\/p>\n

Olena and Erin\u2019s entrepreneurial journey is just beginning, but they\u2019ve had several learning curves so far and from that wanted to leave other entrepreneurs with some advice:<\/p>\n