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 Kira Dubeau, owner of Sunshine and Coffee Co.!
Sunshine and Coffee Co. is an online shop featuring home goods and decor. If you love home decor, coffee, and plants then this is the shop to check out! They carry a variety of items such as canvas banners, home goods, drinkware and key tags.
Our girl Betina interviewed Kira about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I officially launched March 1st, 2022.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Sunshine and Coffee Co.?
Sunshine & Coffee Co. was a very spontaneous decision that I made on a whim. I’ve always loved home decor and have had many friends tell me that I should do something that incorporates my passion for it. Recently, I redid my son’s bedroom and while sourcing the new decor I spontaneously made the decision to start Sunshine & Coffee Co. I had previous social media marketing experience, so it didn’t take me long to have everything set up and ready to go. I had my website completed in 2 days and started sharing my plans on social media.
3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur allows me to do something that I love and am passionate about everyday. I love that I am able to work when it fits into my busy schedule, while also making time for my family and other commitments. I also love getting feedback from clients and seeing our items in their homes. It always makes my day!
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Sunshine and Coffee Co.?
For me, the hardest thing that I have had to overcome is separating myself from the business. It is very easy to always want to be “on” and constantly working and making myself available for clients. I am very much a people pleaser and this has been a challenge to realize that I don’t always have to answer messages immediately, or always be online. Making “business hours” has been essential in ensuring that I am also caring for myself, and not just focusing on business 24/7.
5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?
There is a lot of work that goes into everything behind the scenes. Website building, marketing, budgeting, sourcing items, creating items, interacting, inventory, emails, shipping, photography… and more! It is not something for the faint of heart. Lots of hard work and determination go into every aspect of building an online business.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
Instagram is my favourite social media platform. I have successfully grown my audience on my personal page for years while establishing myself as a content creator. I love that Instagram has so many features, and is constantly growing and changing according to what’s new and trending.
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I have always been an avid social media user, so using it to promote my company was a no brainer. In my past experience with social media marketing, I grew an account to 12K followers in a very short period of time. Almost all advertising is done through social media in this day and age, and the marketing tools available through social platforms simplify the process.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Social media is the backbone of my business. I quickly grew my business page to 300 followers in the first week before my shop launched. The support and love that I receive through social media is so uplifting and encouraging. It is a very effective marketing tool that makes it fun all while building genuine connections with people. I love that I can share a story on Instagram of making my morning coffee, and then I get an email that someone just purchased one of the mugs I was using.
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 go for it! It can be a bit of a learning curve when you get started but the results don’t lie. Utilize all social media channels to your advantage. Although you may prefer one platform over another, you are missing out on more opportunities when you don’t spread your content over multiple channels. There are ways to simplify this as well, such as auto posting to Facebook when you post to Instagram. Work smarter, not harder!
A Little More About Kira
Kira is a mom to Noah, 10, a loving girlfriend to Douglas, a dog mom to Scout and an entrepreneur. She has been a content creator for 4 years, and has had her photography published in a Canadian Magazine. She has a passion for photography, home decor, and all things coffee. Along with running Sunshine & Coffee Co., she is also completing her last year of Nursing School.
Connect with Kira
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!
