The reading level for this article is Novice
Sonjaden Elzen
JY Stijls Ltd./U4elements.com | sonja@u4elements.com | ceo | 01/04/2003 | Small Business Owner
Sonja den Elzen in the CEO/President of Jy Stijls##comma## a fashion forward clothing company##comma## and www.U4elements.com##comma## an online store for clothing##comma## jewellery##comma## art##comma## music##comma## and furniture.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
I started Jy Stijls 5 years ago at 26 and distribute across north america and internationally. I love designing clothes. U4elements.com was started 8 months ago and is a place where I can group the lifestyle that I find pleasure in and share it with other people. My business background has basically been a self taught adventure over the past few years.
What services or products does your organization offer?
Jy Stijls designs ##comma## manufactures##comma## markets and distributes a clothing line. U4elements.com sells clothing##comma## music##comma## art##comma## furniture and jewellery. Both are based out of Toronto.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
incorporated
How many employees do you currently have?
1
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
Through business plans
How did you originally fund your organization?
personal
Are you the founder of your organization?
yes
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
A/R##comma## collecting money is difficult and I am still learning how to overcome this##comma## as well as moving from a small business to a larger company and feeling the confidence to find investors.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Advisors are important for any entrepreneurs success
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
Long hours and focus and lots of passion.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
By remaining true to my self and sense of design.
What types of marketing do you employ?
Magazine advertising and word of mouth.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
The internet plays an roll in both businesses.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
Not getting investors soon enough.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
My parents are entreprenuers so i guess the mind set was there.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
Talk to other people in your industry##comma## their advice is invaluable.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
We have more and more access to the world.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
Its is a key factor.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Always be focused and aware of what is going on.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Going to school for business would probably be a great asset for any entreprenuer. All my knowledge was gained from real world expirence.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
research and know what your getting into.
