What does Whimsically Tagged do?
Whimsically Tagged is a local crafting business run by two Mississauga moms. We personalise gifts and decor like Santa Sacks, stuffed toys, Christmas ornaments, mugs, cutting boards… you name it. As our ‘tagline’ says: You have it... we can tag it!

How long have you been in business?
Dolores has been making and selling her creations informally for a few years but decided it was time for a more structured business enterprise earlier this year. Lucy came on board to help set that up and implement marketing and sales strategies.

What was the inspiration behind Whimsically Tagged?
We live in a diverse community. Many kids with less common names just don’t find personalized products in stores. The response we were getting from making our own loot bag and party favour items featuring guests’ names told us we were on to something. Parents appreciated that they could send their kids to school with already named items like water bottles. Kids just loved seeing their own name on something they owned!

What's the most rewarding part of your business?
Working with clients to create highly personal gifts that they wouldn’t find anywhere else. Our customers often share stories of the intended recipient or the circumstances around the special occasion. Sometimes they’re looking for a funny gag gift, but we’ve also been asked to make items to memorialize lost loved ones, which is incredibly moving.

What's been your biggest challenge with Whimsically Tagged?
We started out offering Christmas related stock and added items as we acquired new equipment that enabled us to personalize different things. Once we were up and running though, we started fielding enquiries from people looking for items we hadn’t even considered. Some we are trialing if we think it makes sense to do so, based on demand and potential returns. But, as a small business, we have to remind ourselves to keep focussed and not chase too many shiny things!

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Do something you enjoy and, if you’re a maker, create what you, yourself, would invest in. If you believe in your product, your customers will follow. Never underestimate good customer service and word of mouth.