Editor's note: To mark Small Business Week in Canada, which runs Oct. 16-22, SaltWire Network has talked to some small business operators in our province about their success and challenges.
Patrick McNutt from Charlottetown, P.E.I., is the owner and creative mind behind Wooden Fox Woodworking, which he started in 2015 and registered as a sole proprietor in 2016.
A strong desire to be his own boss and set his own hours was a driving factor that prompted McNutt to set up his own business.
“I've always been interested in woodwork and have also always been somewhat artistic, so it seemed like a natural progression to make something I was already passionate about into a profession,” he says.
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Many of McNutt’s customers have thought his creations were cut via a computer-controlled cutter, but all of McNutt’s work is 100 per cent handmade as he does not use a CNC cutter or a laser cutter to create his pieces.
There have been challenges McNutt has faced during the pandemic, one of which he says is clients – specifically stores and gift shops – cancelling orders, not reordering or closing altogether.
Another challenge was the cancellation of craft markets (Colonel Gray and Three Oaks specifically), which resulted in a big loss of revenue.
“My business went from 20-plus stores across the Island to only two due to the pandemic,” he says.
McNutt has found ways to overcome this challenge.
“I pivoted my business to less of a wholesale base, and mainly sell directly to the consumer," he says. "I've also opted to sell via the Downtown Farmers' Market on Sundays in Charlottetown. This year was exceptional in terms of sales at the market.”
McNutt says he is still working to get back to where he was pre-pandemic, and in some ways, feels like he has restarted altogether.
But, he says, “this tourist season gives me hope for the future of my business.”
Success for McNutt is “creating pieces of art, furniture and other various woodwork that I can be proud to put my name on. Making money is great, but being my own boss and taking pride in my work is how I personally measure my success.”
One piece of advice McNutt offers to entrepreneurs considering opening a small business is to ensure you're delivering quality work.
“Always, always do your absolute best work. Small details are incredibly important," he says. "Not everyone will notice, but whatever your business is, you want to be able to put your name on it and be proud of the work you do.”
McNutt also recommends learning to say no to certain jobs, “because doing jobs you hate will sap your passion pretty quickly," he says.
“Above all, stop asking yourself if you "can" start your business. You can."
When asked if he has any regrets, that's McNutt's only one: “Not starting my business sooner."
The P.E.I. Gift Box
Kim Smith of Cascumpec, P.E.I. started her P.E.I. Gift Box business in 2020 when the pandemic was keeping many people from going to P.E.I.
“My thought was it would be a way for people to send ‘a little bit of P.E.I. in a box’ to a loved one who couldn't get home.”
Smith's business primarily runs as an online shop. She feels she “wouldn't have survived as a brick-and-mortar shop during the pandemic.”
While it's been a challenge to get the word out about her business while trying to keep her costs low, she's making progress.
Smith feels she is still trying to get to the other side and is continually educating herself about her business website, which she says is a work in progress.
“I began with one box and about six contributors. There are now 50-plus contributors and customers can choose either a pre-selected box (curated) or they can now build their own box," she says.
There are five options for curated boxes: Tastes from Home (P.E.I.), Tea Lovers Gift Box, Coffee Lovers, Baby Box and a Baby Box for a newborn.
She is also excited to now offer her customers options for free pick-up in a store location in Charlottetown this fall (Branching Out Artisan Market in the Royalty Crossing Mall).
“I feel success every time I receive an order and personally package it up and send it on its way to someone's loved one,” says Smith.
She also defines success as being able to support P.E.I. artisans.
“I would love to work with more corporate clients and on a wider scope. Success is meeting my goal of promoting and supporting P.E.I. artisans and small businesses," she says.
A personal goal for Smith is to be able to support her family with her business.
For entrepreneurs considering opening a small business, Smith suggests they “do your research in the market and find a mentor.”
And she has few regrets about her choice to become an entrepreneur, with the exception of wishing she was more tech-savvy sometimes, but adds she's working on that.
How to show support
Patrick McNutt and Kim Smith will be at the following P.E.I. markets this fall:
- Farm Day in Charlottetown (Oct. 23)
- Three Oaks Christmas Craft Fair (Nov. 12-13)
- Colonel Gray (Nov. 25-26)
- Farm Day in Charlottetown (Oct. 23)
- Westisle Christmas Market (Nov. 5)
Options for ordering/purchasing the P.E.I. Gift Box:
- Order online and have it mailed (There is an option to add a gift card with message)
- Order online and select free pick up
- Done once a week on P.E.I. at either Cascumpec; Summerside at a predetermined meet up location; Charlottetown at Branching Out Artisan Market in the Royalty Crossing Mall; and Montague for a small fee (at a predetermined meet up location).
- Curated gift boxes will be available to purchase at Branching Out Artisan Market in the Royalty Crossing Mall.
Juanita Rossiter is a freelance reporter with the SaltWire Network. She can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @MJR2013.
