Small Business Profile - Mississauga's Living In Colours

In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur Haris Randhawa.

1. What exactly does your business do?
We are a family-owned and operated paint store and a certified Benjamin Moore retailer. The principal business is retail of Benjamin Moore paint and related paint supplies, paint products, paint tools and sundries such as paint brushes and trays, as well as, other home decor products such as wall paper and soft window coverings.

2. What inspired you to start your business?
It was the owners’ entrepreneurial spirt and the passion to serve the local community which inspired them to open a paint shop in Malton.  Having freedom to make your business decision as a business owner, operating the business as a family and growing it for future generations were all reasons that were envisioned. 

3. How has your business adapted to the new world?
The current state of the world is challenging for any small business.  We opened at the onset of a global pandemic and faced many challenges along the way. We were able to create an online shopping platform for our customers that is user friendly and we also offer contactless curbside pickup and local delivery. Our website can be accessed by visiting www.livingincolours.ca

4. What are you most proud of from a business perspective?
We are most proud of our wonderful staff and their ability to quickly connect with the local professional painters and establish strong working relationships with our customer base.

5. What's been the largest obstacle to overcome and how did you do it?
Transitioning to an online platform did not occur overnight, and the ability to adapt to the new-age technology was a challenge. However, we were able to recognize where our strengths and weaknesses lie and sought professional assistance to establish a user-friendly online shopping platform.

6. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
The best advice we'd give to any prospective entrepreneurs would be to ensure they have a solid and detailed business plan. There is a lot of hard work which takes place at the beginning of establishing any business and it will take a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work, but having a fully costed business plan will help to keep you on track and organized. 

7. What message do you have for the community as we continue to navigate the global pandemic?
As a locally-owned business, we want the community to know that we will continue to provide a safe environment for our customers and continue to conduct health and safety practices as prescribed by the local health units. We encourage all in the community to think about small-business and shop local this season!