Ariane

clark

my Top Do's and Don'ts of Small Business Ownership

Over the past 5 years of running two successful small businesses in Hamilton I’ve learned some great lessons and tips from professionals and my peers. I’ll be sharing my favourite resources for small business owners, what to avoid, and what to invest in so that you and your business can thrive.

About Me

Ariane Clark is the owner of Empire Maker Space, a collaborative sewing studio and reclaimed fabric store in Hamilton’s historic textile district. She is a self-taught sewist and is passionate about community, crafting, sustainability, and sharing her expertise with others.


Ariane has been working in the fashion retail and styling industries since she was in her teens, and toured worldwide as a wardrobe manager and seamstress for Shania Twain.


Ariane has made her home in Crown Point for the past 6 years, moving here just before her twins were born.

Little Love Birds

Launched with the help of the Starter Company Plus Program!

Little Love Birds is a sustainable children's clothing brand launched in 2018 with the help of the City of Hamilton's Starter Company Plus Program. Working in her home sewing studio, while her babies were napping, Ariane produced a line of upcycled dresses, bloomers, rompers, wool coats, and crib sheet sets which were sold online and at a number of markets including The Artisans Bazaar, The Baby Show in Toronto, Handmade Hamilton, and featured on CHCH.

Life After Child Loss

ELLERY CLARK

Mar 2014 - Nov 2019


In spring of 2019, Ariane's 5 year old daughter Ellery was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer.


A short 6 months later the unthinkable happened and Ellery passed away from complications from the disease and the necessary, but harsh treatments. Ellery was a sparkly, outgoing, rainbow & unicorn loving child who lived every day to the fullest.

Launching Something New

VISION

A collaborative sewing studio and reclaimed fabric store. Featuring locally made goods from women and marginalized gender owned businesses, items made in store including Little Love Birds, and fabrics sourced from the textile industry, with a focus on upcycling.

MISSION

Our main objective is to get people crafting, sustainably and with few barriers. In addition to inexpensive deadstock and vintage fabrics we also offer free sewing patterns, fabric scraps for crafting, and an ever revolving community cart of FREE craft supplies. Our sewing machines are available to rent and we offer private and small group lessons to teach people how to sew or improve their skills.

Top Things I've Learned

Lean on your community and be open to advice

Be flexible in your plans and firm in your boundaries

Do it scared. In the end, the time will pass anyways.

Do's

administration

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Confirm if you CAN and SHOULD do it

Establish Your

Bookkeeping Routine

Consider your tax options, talk to experts!

Rock a Solid

Business Plan

Supporting your growth

find

connect

rest

Mentors & Peers

With Community

Take time for yourself

Don'ts

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1

DON'T SELL

YOURSELF SHORT

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2

DON'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A PLAN

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3

DON'T BE RIGID

Fave Free Resources

canva

This whole presentation was put together on a Canva template. I subbed in my brand colours, my own photos, and info. CANVA has a free version that is amazing, the paid content is absolutely worth it.

community

Local groups are a great way to network as well as gather information about your target audience. There are a ton of specialized social media based groups on Facebook and Reddit, join as many as you can.

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sbec

Small Business Enterprise Centres are located all over Ontario, The Hamilton Business Centre has a wealth of free and resources to help grow your business and navigate small business ownership.

Grants & More

Hamilton has a wealth of resources and grants available to small businesses. They all have their own eligibility, program requirements, and stipulations to quality. Despite being "free money, there are some things to consider before applying, as not all programs are a good fit for all businesses in their varying stages of launch. However all grant programs are beneficial for education and personal growth as a business owner.

Keep in Touch

Ariane is a fierce supporter of Women-led small businesses and vibrant entrepreneurship in the City of Hamilton. She truly believes we are stronger with a solid community and shared resources.


Empire Make Space

168 1/2 Ottawa St. North

905-544-5144