Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Banks.
Hi Alison, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In the year 2019, I found myself out of a job, and with time to sit back and really reflect on what is it I wanted to do. I had the opportunity and time to start any business I wanted, and I’d always longed for a store that people could walk into, browse, and purchase, knowing that nothing they buy would be made of plastic.
From this initial vision based on something I’d always wanted to see myself as a consumer, I decided to make it happen. It took a lot of time, hour-long youtube tutorials, and figuring out the best way to market, and what products I really wanted to sell and introduce to the lives of my customers.
Flash forward to today, I like to say the business runs itself, but that’s simply not true. Running a business is a lot of work! And when I’m not focused on the other aspects of my life, you can bet I’m plugging away working on Architect’s Daughter, still as passionate as day one.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road but rather a winding one. Some months are great, others are tough! But the highs are always worth the lows and you always learn from what doesn’t go right!
From what I knew going into starting a business, I would say the largest struggle for me was how to market and how to do this effectively. I’m still learning the best way to do this as we speak!
Reaching new clients through the internet and proving to them that your products are the ones they should spend their money on isn’t always an easy feat! People need to look at a product online something like seven times before making a decision – that says enough in itself!
As you know, we’re big fans of Architect’s Daughter. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I run an online plastic-free business that provides sustainable and ethical home goods and accessories. Your one-stop shop for all needs, plastic-free! I run the entire business on the side from my full-time job! It’s never a dull moment and sometimes I forget what time is!
I’m known for my higher-end, upscale aesthetic and unique products. People view my website and always compliment me on the presentation and photography. My modern approach and minimalistic nature definitely set the business apart from others. You’re not scrolling through countless products on a never-ending website. I want you to see what you like, like the price, and purchase it without having to think twice.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of my delivery, aesthetic, and branding voice. I think I communicate clearly with each and every one of my clients and prospective clients and I do think that it’s all very pleasing to the eye – which is key for an online shop.
I want readers to know that Architect’s Daughter sells the products it sells to help you gear your life toward zero or less waste lifestyle, without giving up luxury. You can have the best shampoo but it is plastic-free, you can have the best-looking compost box (some call it a work of art) and still have it be natural and plastic-free. It’s all about changing your mindset while keeping your values the same or even heightening them as you use less wasteful materials.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It’s definitely important to have someone to go to bounce your ideas off of and to talk things through with. I have one person who knows my business well that I do this with. It’s critical to have someone recognize points you may not see yourself at the moment.
Support other small businesses, and they’ll support you in return. A great way to network and become part of your community.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@architectsdaughter.ca
- Website: https://architectsdaughter.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architectsdaughter.ca/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/architectsdaughter.ca
