For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Inc, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Daria MacDonald, owner of Stone City Tropicals.
Stone City Tropicals is an online plant boutique based out of Sydenham, Ontario. We sell rare tropical plants and plant care products with a focus on quality and top shelf customer service. We offer flat rate $25 express shipping across Canada to help you cross those plants off your wish list without breaking the bank getting them to your home.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Daria about their secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what she thinks makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
Since 2020.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start your business?
The 9-5 could never break me away! I love my full-time job! It is very stressful though. I find plants give me an escape from the stress I encounter in my job. I decided to start this business as a side hustle that would let me fulfil my passion for plants, share my plant knowledge, and get to know plant people. The plant community is really the best!
3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Honestly, I love spreading that plant joy! I love the happiness that getting a new beautiful plant brings and I’m so happy to be a part of that. I also love watching how my hard work and customer service is rapidly growing my business and providing greater opportunities for my family. Having my daughters watch me work hard and be successful brings me a lot of pride.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?
The hardest thing for me is learning how to manage money as a business. I didn’t expect that after my first year in business I would have to hit the threshold required to charge tax on sales and I was seriously underprepared for how much to charge and how to remit tax. Being an online business that ships Canada wide means tax is charged and remitted differently depending on the province of the customer. If I could give any advice to a business just starting it would be to invest in a good bookkeeper!
5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?
Even plant businesses kill plants. I pour one out for my homies at least once every few months. 😅
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favourite social media platform? Why?
My favourite is Instagram, because it connects seamlessly with my Facebook business group and I find it easier to use and connect with other people with similar interests. It’s all about that efficiency!
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
It was a decision I made from the start, because I had already built connections with people who would form my customer base on Instagram and Facebook. I like that I can give other people a glimpse into my business and who I am as an individual through social media. It also allows interaction and relationship building that a website doesn’t afford.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
It’s definitely had a big impact. It’s really the only way that I advertise! I like to post hilarious stories about my life or random funny thoughts I have on my feed. I think it helps people to relate to me on a different level and makes them look forward to seeing what I post next. It allows me to build genuine connections with customers and followers!
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Just focus on being you and doing what you can! There is so much pressure to focus on numbers of followers, likes, or comments. I know personally that being a busy wife, mom of two littles, and working full time that I just don’t have time to make a reel everyday. And that’s ok with me. I try and connect with customers in other ways!
A Little More About Daria
I have the refined palate of a toddler. I honestly could eat Kraft Dinner and chicken nuggets for every meal and be perfectly ok with that. I overshare a lot about my family and our quirks on my feeds.
Connect with Daria
Know A Voss Boss?
Do you know a Voss Boss who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
