Who is Dilara Tan Ersozlu, could you please introduce yourself?

I am Dilara Tan Ersozlu, a mother of a 7 year-old beauty and 2 crazy bunnies Oreo and Snowy.  I studied French Language Teaching at university but I never worked as a teacher.  Many years after graduating from university, I studied Advertising and Graphic Design in a college. I have many hobbies that make me happy and keep me busy. 

What is your business and when did you start?

Our family decided to start a new life in a new country. After we moved to Canada and after I graduated from college in 2021, I decided to turn my hobby into a bussiness.  I love crafting and my business Lida’s Craft Shop is where I create paper crafts and personalized or customized party decorations/ gifts.

What inspired you to start your business?

Having studied graphic design, I wanted to use my skills in something I love to do. Being a part of something happy and turning people’s ideas into reality make me want to create more and more.  Listening to children and creating what they want for their parties is the best part of my business.

What were the challenges in the initial stages of your business and how did you overcome them?

I think working from home is mostly the better way to run a small business.  But in my condition, since I don’t have a spare room in my house , I created a small working station in my kitchen/living room.  Especially during the lockdown it was very challenging for me to work and  to deal with other responsibilities inside the home at the same time.  I was able to tackle this challenge by creating a schedule.  Being a mom,  a wife and a small business owner is never easy.

What motivates you about your business?

Making people happy, creating something new, challenging myself when it is time to try something new,  shopping for the stationary while also contributing to our family budget and feeling financially independent.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

It is never too late to learn something new or start something new. You are never too old to create.

Interesting fact most of the people do not know about you?

I never knew that I could do something till I start trying to do it.  I am really good at hiding feelings and also whenever I feel down I always find a way to go up.

My definition of success is …

Doing what you love to do is always a success. You know what makes you happy and you can find a way to accomplish it.

If I could go back in time when I started my business, I would tell myself to …

Keep doing what you do.

My personal tagline is … 

You are never too old to start!