Lisa Shelley, CEO of Neal’s Yard Remedies Talks About the Challenges of Running a Small Business

Episode
Lisa Shelley is CEO of Neal’s Yard Remedies, which sells cosmetics, skin care products, and essential oils. Visit https://www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online...
Key takeaways
- During challenging times like COVID or economic downturns, businesses need to pivot quickly while maintaining team safety, customer service, and operational continuity.
- Understanding your business numbers is critical to success, and entrepreneurs should either develop financial knowledge themselves or seek advisors who can help them navigate the financial side of their business.
- When building a consumer brand, especially in organic or natural products, customers demand both ethical sourcing and proven effectiveness—they won't compromise on results just because a product is natural.
- Small businesses in Calgary are heavily impacted by the energy sector's performance, but the city's entrepreneurs show resilience and innovation when diversifying beyond oil and gas.
- It's important for entrepreneurs to separate their self-worth from their business outcomes and recognize that closing a business doesn't mean personal failure—sometimes pivoting or moving on opens new opportunities.
Transcript
Full transcript page · Interactive episode
============================================================ TRANSCRIPTION WITH SPEAKERS ============================================================ [00:00] SPEAKER_00: This podcast is sponsored by eBay Canada. [00:03] SPEAKER_00: eBay Canada has been supporting Canadians small business retailers for 25 years. [00:07] SPEAKER_00: With their up and running program, you can access eBay's 180-plus million buyers [00:13] SPEAKER_00: in 190 countries around the world. [00:16] SPEAKER_00: With up and running, there are no listing fees on up to 200 listings per month [00:19] SPEAKER_00: and you only pay fees when you sell. [00:22] SPEAKER_00: As part of the eBay community, you get real-time advice and inspiration [00:26] SPEAKER_00: and access to powerful selling tools and insights. [00:30] SPEAKER_00: Go to eBay.ca, forward slash, up and running, stay local and sell global. [00:37] SPEAKER_01: Welcome to Canada's podcast, the number one podcast for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs. [00:44] SPEAKER_04: Hello, I'm your host Mario Tana-Guzzi and on today's Calgary's podcast, [00:50] SPEAKER_04: our guest is Lisa Shelley, who is CEO of Niels Yard Remedies. [00:55] SPEAKER_04: Thanks for joining us today, Lisa. [00:57] SPEAKER_03: Thanks, Mario. Thanks for having me on. [01:00] SPEAKER_04: Well, let me just start by asking you, first of all, [01:03] SPEAKER_04: explain what Niels Yard Remedies is and what you guys do. [01:07] SPEAKER_03: Yeah, I mean, it's a little bit of a mouthful [01:10] SPEAKER_03: and then I've heard all the different pronunciations over the years. [01:13] SPEAKER_03: Niels Yard Remedies is organic skin care. [01:16] SPEAKER_03: So we started in the UK back in 1981 in a forgotten quarter of common garden. [01:22] SPEAKER_03: And that quarter is called Niels Yard. [01:24] SPEAKER_03: So a lot of people ask what that's all about. [01:27] SPEAKER_03: It's not garden remedies, it's not lawn care. [01:29] SPEAKER_03: And the question of who is Niels, that takes way back before we do. [01:33] SPEAKER_02: Okay. [01:34] SPEAKER_03: In that quarter of Niels Yard, you'll also find a Niels Yard dairy. [01:38] SPEAKER_03: So think of it as like the name of any square in any city. [01:43] SPEAKER_03: So from there, we make organic skin care essential oils, [01:47] SPEAKER_03: health and beauty, mom and baby, all certified organic, clinically proven, [01:51] SPEAKER_03: a really nice option for anybody looking for. [01:55] SPEAKER_03: A good quality skincare that actually works is good for you and good for planets. [02:01] SPEAKER_04: Okay. [02:01] SPEAKER_04: Tell me a little bit like from the perspective here in Caligary, [02:06] SPEAKER_04: you know, the impact that COVID has had on your business [02:10] SPEAKER_04: and what you've had to do because of COVID. [02:14] SPEAKER_03: COVID. [02:15] SPEAKER_03: I'm going forward to the day when COVID is memory. [02:18] SPEAKER_03: I think COVID was pretty disruptive for us. [02:20] SPEAKER_03: You know, I think any business owner needs to pivot during these times. [02:26] SPEAKER_03: But we have an office here in Caligary. [02:29] SPEAKER_03: We also have retail shops and we sell online and we sell buy-and-hold sale [02:34] SPEAKER_03: to other partners such as Whole Foods or shopperers or other. [02:37] SPEAKER_03: When COVID first happened, we're lucky that we were working a fairly large office [02:41] SPEAKER_03: with a small team, so we were able to continue operations that we gave [02:45] SPEAKER_03: our staff the flexibility to work from home. [02:48] SPEAKER_03: I think fear is a really personal thing and so what we're trying to do is allow [02:52] SPEAKER_03: everybody to navigate that individually, but it's important to still work as a team. [02:56] SPEAKER_03: So, you know, I think we needed to make sure that everyone felt supported, felt safe, [03:01] SPEAKER_03: but that the business could continue because ultimately one of the fears [03:04] SPEAKER_03: that come up is financial. [03:05] SPEAKER_03: So we want to keep our people employed. [03:07] SPEAKER_03: We also have the customer to consider and we wanted to keep them safe [03:10] SPEAKER_03: and we do happily sell a lot of hands-hated, heavy-dates, [03:14] SPEAKER_03: but a lot of soap solutions. [03:16] SPEAKER_03: That sorts of things. [03:18] SPEAKER_03: So it was important that we could continue our business and keep our distribution tackles open [03:23] SPEAKER_03: and to do that we needed to make sure it's performing efficiently and effectively. [03:27] SPEAKER_03: So, you know, I think some of the things that we did were a lot of the options [03:31] SPEAKER_03: to work from home, obviously, but also keep the office open more possible [03:34] SPEAKER_03: because we just distribute through our warehouse, which is based in our office. [03:39] SPEAKER_03: So we had really things like take turns coming into the office [03:41] SPEAKER_03: and show we had backup plans in case someone wants to get sick. [03:46] SPEAKER_03: But also really, I think, making sure that we were connected [03:49] SPEAKER_03: and so having those virtual Zoom meetings like you and I are talking to you today, [03:54] SPEAKER_03: very part of it. [03:56] SPEAKER_03: And then, you know, making sure that there was a little disruption in the business [04:00] SPEAKER_03: as possible because they think a sense of the normalcy during a stressful time [04:05] SPEAKER_03: is really important. [04:06] SPEAKER_03: And so if you're the customer, we wanted to make sure that you continued to get your product [04:10] SPEAKER_03: the same way you would have. [04:11] SPEAKER_03: And if you're a staff that you have the supports that you needed [04:15] SPEAKER_03: and would reach and have a gave that. [04:17] SPEAKER_03: I think on the outset of it, we've been really lucky our team has decided to come [04:22] SPEAKER_03: and work mostly from the office. [04:23] SPEAKER_03: I think that indicates a really happy work environment [04:27] SPEAKER_03: and we're able to see grant that so that everyone can feel safe in our office. [04:33] SPEAKER_03: On the daily. [04:35] SPEAKER_04: Okay. [04:35] SPEAKER_04: Let's talk a little bit about the consumer in this field. [04:40] SPEAKER_04: You know, what is it about today's consumer that is gravitating towards [04:45] SPEAKER_04: pulled on quote organic things, [04:50] SPEAKER_04: whether it's health and beauty or whether it's food or drink. [04:55] SPEAKER_04: Why do you think more and more consumers are find the appeal in organic products? [05:03] SPEAKER_03: You know, I think years ago when this concept of like natural or organic started, [05:09] SPEAKER_03: the industry was fighting against, first started this natural industry, [05:13] SPEAKER_03: was fighting against a more mainstream industry that was going more and more towards chemicals. [05:18] SPEAKER_03: And since then, it chemicals and products that we just don't know [05:21] SPEAKER_03: will kind of impact the health on our body and the planet. [05:25] SPEAKER_03: And every user's more chemicals released into the world. [05:28] SPEAKER_03: We don't necessarily know the impact of those in the long run, [05:31] SPEAKER_03: but we also don't know how they interact together. [05:33] SPEAKER_03: And so years ago, that's what the industry started fighting against. [05:37] SPEAKER_03: These days, I think in many ways that goal has been achieved, [05:40] SPEAKER_03: this concept of organic is concept of natural, [05:43] SPEAKER_03: it's becoming mainstream. [05:44] SPEAKER_03: You'll see the certified products in the co-ops, in Calgary, for example, [05:50] SPEAKER_03: are in any mainstream. [05:51] SPEAKER_03: And I think that's really wonderful. [05:54] SPEAKER_03: What's continuing to drive that customer forward, I think, [05:57] SPEAKER_03: is it's a bit of a value proposition, that lifestyle. [05:59] SPEAKER_03: You want the confidence both in what the product is that you're putting on your skin. [06:04] SPEAKER_03: But also, it has worked. [06:07] SPEAKER_03: Today's customer isn't willing to accept an organic or natural product [06:11] SPEAKER_03: if it doesn't give you the results that you want. [06:14] SPEAKER_03: And I think this is where Neil's Yara Fitts really well, [06:17] SPEAKER_03: as a leader in the industry. [06:20] SPEAKER_03: So not only are our products certified organic, [06:23] SPEAKER_03: and in fact, we were the first beauty brand to be certified organic. [06:27] SPEAKER_03: We also have the clinical results to prove that they work. [06:31] SPEAKER_03: So we have several different categories, [06:34] SPEAKER_03: whether that's your anti-aging skin care. [06:36] SPEAKER_03: We have mom and baby products, for example, [06:39] SPEAKER_03: that are clinically proven to reduce scratch marks. [06:45] SPEAKER_03: We have all of these different categories that work. [06:48] SPEAKER_03: And the customer's not willing to adopt something if they can't feel good in their skin [06:52] SPEAKER_03: because they're skinnets are personal. [06:54] SPEAKER_03: And obviously, we wear it daily. [06:56] SPEAKER_03: So I think that's what's driving today's customer. [06:58] SPEAKER_03: It's the desire to feel good about their purchasing decisions. [07:03] SPEAKER_03: But also to know that it's effective. [07:05] SPEAKER_04: Well, when you're talking about purchasing decisions, obviously, [07:09] SPEAKER_04: correct me if I'm wrong, but there's perception out there that whether it's organic [07:12] SPEAKER_04: or labeled organic or labeled natural, [07:18] SPEAKER_04: it's a bit of a higher price, right? [07:20] SPEAKER_04: So people are still willing to spend that, right? [07:28] SPEAKER_03: I think what the customer is looking for is something that more perks. [07:33] SPEAKER_03: So in talking specifically about the OCR, [07:36] SPEAKER_03: price points, no different than many of the other mainstream brands that you find out [07:39] SPEAKER_03: there are some of the large department stores and some of the whole foods [07:43] SPEAKER_03: are all the shoppers, the shortboard options out there. [07:46] SPEAKER_03: So I think that there can be a difference. [07:49] SPEAKER_03: Certainly, the other thing that you're getting with our brand is the knowledge [07:53] SPEAKER_03: that people are treated well through that supply chain. [07:56] SPEAKER_03: So we pay fair prices for our ingredients. [07:59] SPEAKER_03: We manufacture all of those products on our own and our own eco factory. [08:04] SPEAKER_03: The certification costs money that also business expenses. [08:08] SPEAKER_03: So a lot of these inputs are what's going to drive our price. [08:12] SPEAKER_03: And that price is really fair when you consider all of those things. [08:15] SPEAKER_03: And it doesn't have to cost more. [08:19] SPEAKER_03: The other thing they have to look at is the usability of the product. [08:23] SPEAKER_03: So a little bit goes a long way. [08:25] SPEAKER_03: So when you're comparing ultimately the sticker price you're looking at [08:29] SPEAKER_03: how long does that product last or and how often do I need to replace it. [08:33] SPEAKER_03: And I think that's when you look here. [08:34] SPEAKER_03: It also does a really good job of being really good value for money. [08:39] SPEAKER_00: This podcast is sponsored by eBay Canada. [08:42] SPEAKER_00: eBay Canada is powering Canadian small businesses. [08:46] SPEAKER_00: Go to eBay.ca forward slash up and running. [08:49] SPEAKER_00: Chopen your new global e-commerce business. [08:52] SPEAKER_04: So tell me what it's like being a business owner [08:55] SPEAKER_04: and an entrepreneur specifically in Calgary these days. [08:59] SPEAKER_03: That's a good question. [09:01] SPEAKER_03: I think when I started this business six or seven years ago, [09:04] SPEAKER_03: I was definitely a nation that had big dreams. [09:08] SPEAKER_03: And when you started business, [09:09] SPEAKER_03: how do you think you're going to get to your goal? [09:11] SPEAKER_03: It's totally different in many cases than how you actually get to that goal. [09:15] SPEAKER_03: And we've had to pivot. [09:17] SPEAKER_03: We've had to dig in. [09:18] SPEAKER_03: We've had to work really hard opening years. [09:21] SPEAKER_03: And I'm proud to say we are still in business. [09:23] SPEAKER_03: We are growing. [09:24] SPEAKER_03: And it's taken a lot of work. [09:27] SPEAKER_03: But it's been the challenging market. [09:31] SPEAKER_03: Calgary with energy. [09:32] SPEAKER_03: We've been very focused on energy over the years. [09:35] SPEAKER_03: And that's industry. [09:36] Speaker UNKNOWN: It's been a very challenging year. [09:40] SPEAKER_03: Our business has impacted. [09:43] SPEAKER_03: The world of energy. [09:47] SPEAKER_03: And we need to do it. [09:49] SPEAKER_03: We need to grow and thrive. [09:53] SPEAKER_03: And bring energy to city. [09:55] SPEAKER_03: There are so many small businesses in Calgary. [09:59] SPEAKER_03: We work with a lot of other businesses to create a community. [10:02] SPEAKER_03: and to be a light in the city, [10:06] SPEAKER_03: and a source of whether that's jobs or diversification, [10:13] SPEAKER_03: operating a skincare business account, [10:15] SPEAKER_03: or is it exactly common? [10:17] SPEAKER_04: Yeah, so how long have you been in this role? [10:21] SPEAKER_03: So I'm a CA, I started with there's Sinyan many years ago, [10:25] SPEAKER_03: actually lived in London with, [10:28] SPEAKER_03: when I was working with there, [10:29] SPEAKER_03: Sinyan had discovered this brand. [10:30] SPEAKER_03: And so in 2013, I started NeoJer Domities in Canada in 2014, [10:38] SPEAKER_03: it became my soul. [10:39] SPEAKER_03: Okay, so in about six years of doing, [10:42] SPEAKER_03: of owning my own business, [10:43] SPEAKER_03: and that's not since spiraled into a couple of others, [10:46] SPEAKER_03: but yeah, it's been 2014, [10:49] SPEAKER_03: if you recall, the calendar was a pretty big year. [10:51] SPEAKER_03: We had the reason to be happy, [10:54] SPEAKER_03: and we really had to roll with our... [10:57] SPEAKER_04: Yeah, I was, [10:58] SPEAKER_04: Tauji was rolling in Doe, [11:00] SPEAKER_04: and for the most part in 2013, 2014, [11:04] SPEAKER_04: until the fall of 2014, [11:07] SPEAKER_04: when things started to collapse, right? [11:10] SPEAKER_04: Wasn't pretty. [11:12] SPEAKER_03: Our revenues, like I'm in the census, [11:14] SPEAKER_03: so I love the numbers, [11:15] SPEAKER_03: but I love creative videos, [11:16] SPEAKER_03: well, our rates really follow that energy. [11:21] SPEAKER_04: Yeah, 20, right? [11:22] SPEAKER_04: Like people don't understand it. [11:24] SPEAKER_04: I think people in other parts of the country [11:26] SPEAKER_04: really don't understand how tied in every business [11:30] SPEAKER_04: is in this community to that oil patch. [11:33] SPEAKER_04: So as the oil patch blows, [11:35] SPEAKER_04: so does the money flow to all these other businesses, right? [11:39] SPEAKER_03: Yeah, you're certainly connected. [11:41] SPEAKER_03: I think the other thing is though, [11:42] SPEAKER_03: the calgaryens are diverse, [11:45] SPEAKER_03: and we're enthusiastic and we're innovative, [11:46] SPEAKER_03: and there is an energy to the city, [11:48] SPEAKER_03: and I think we've had to obviously acknowledge [11:52] SPEAKER_03: that the energy sector is a massive player, [11:56] SPEAKER_03: financially, to the city, [11:58] SPEAKER_03: but that we pivoted well, [12:00] SPEAKER_03: and I think that you started to see, [12:02] SPEAKER_03: besides theism, [12:03] SPEAKER_03: and the COVID changes everything, [12:05] SPEAKER_03: but you're starting to see that resiliency [12:08] SPEAKER_03: and that innovation come out of calgaryens, [12:11] SPEAKER_03: and I think I'm really proud of the way the city is moving [12:15] SPEAKER_03: with the current sort of being dealt. [12:18] SPEAKER_04: Now, being a business owner, [12:20] SPEAKER_04: I can't, I'd be remiss not to ask you this question, [12:25] SPEAKER_04: because it's a question that all business owners [12:27] SPEAKER_04: and calgary have faced in the last couple of years, [12:29] SPEAKER_04: and it's the taxes. [12:33] SPEAKER_04: I know that, well, down in mission, [12:37] SPEAKER_04: you still have your story in mission there? [12:40] SPEAKER_03: You know what, Mary, one of the ways we pivoted [12:42] SPEAKER_03: during COVID was actually shut that story. [12:45] SPEAKER_03: It was unfortunate in the sense that [12:48] SPEAKER_03: we put a lot of blood into that shop. [12:52] SPEAKER_03: On the other hand, one of the ways we were able to pivot [12:54] SPEAKER_03: and really ensure a lot of our business security [12:57] SPEAKER_03: was to move everything under the roof of our head office. [13:01] SPEAKER_03: So we have moved our shop in mission to 12th Avenue, [13:05] SPEAKER_03: where we also have our team working, [13:07] SPEAKER_03: and so what that does is actually allows my head off [13:10] SPEAKER_03: with staff who are sometimes a little too comfortable [13:12] SPEAKER_03: behind the computer bit. [13:13] SPEAKER_04: Okay. [13:14] SPEAKER_04: Well, you know, I was, [13:16] SPEAKER_04: the reason I brought up the mission is because I was talking [13:19] SPEAKER_04: to, you know, like I think was right across the street [13:22] SPEAKER_04: from you, the owner of Worst, you know, [13:27] SPEAKER_04: restaurant and bar, and he talked about the taxes, right? [13:30] SPEAKER_04: And how high the taxes have gone. [13:32] SPEAKER_04: How has that impacted you as a business owner [13:35] SPEAKER_04: to see those rising taxes, business taxes in this city? [13:40] SPEAKER_03: I mean, I think anytime taxes go up, [13:42] SPEAKER_03: it's hard on businesses, particularly the small businesses. [13:47] SPEAKER_03: Some of that increase was due to the rezoning of some [13:52] SPEAKER_03: of the properties that would have gone from like tier three [13:55] SPEAKER_03: to tier one, for example. [13:57] SPEAKER_03: And also it's about the relationship with the landlord. [13:59] SPEAKER_03: And I think that the landlord's have an obligation [14:01] SPEAKER_03: to continue to build the community. [14:03] SPEAKER_03: And when they get fully passed down to the tenants [14:06] SPEAKER_03: and sometimes those businesses aren't, [14:07] SPEAKER_03: or those buildings aren't fully occupied, [14:10] SPEAKER_03: then the tenants, particularly the ones [14:11] SPEAKER_03: at the current level, have to bear more weight, [14:17] SPEAKER_03: and we just can't stain it. [14:20] SPEAKER_03: So, you know, I think it became even more difficult [14:23] SPEAKER_03: to continue to operate independently. [14:26] SPEAKER_04: Okay, so I'm curious. [14:28] SPEAKER_04: How does the chartered accountant get into this field? [14:35] SPEAKER_03: Oh, I guess in some of that several times. [14:37] SPEAKER_03: I was definitely younger in more to nation. [14:40] SPEAKER_03: I was looking for values based business. [14:44] SPEAKER_03: I've always had a bit of spunk in me. [14:46] SPEAKER_03: So the concept of running my own business [14:47] SPEAKER_03: was really appealing. [14:49] SPEAKER_03: And I happened to be in love with this brand. [14:51] SPEAKER_03: So talk about like never knowing who your consumer could be. [14:55] SPEAKER_03: I was living in London, as I said, [14:57] SPEAKER_03: started using the illiterate remedies. [14:59] SPEAKER_03: Was so happy with how I felt in my skin, [15:02] SPEAKER_03: the results I was seeing, you know, [15:04] SPEAKER_03: I wasn't like I had terrible skin, [15:06] SPEAKER_03: but I felt good about what I was buying, [15:09] SPEAKER_03: what I was applying on my body, [15:10] SPEAKER_03: and how my skin looked. [15:12] SPEAKER_03: So when I moved back to Canada, [15:14] SPEAKER_03: I just felt that this was something [15:15] SPEAKER_03: that everyone should have access to. [15:17] SPEAKER_03: And I'm a six generation Bulgarian. [15:20] SPEAKER_03: I love this city. [15:22] SPEAKER_03: I think people are really wonderful. [15:23] SPEAKER_03: I wanted them to have access [15:25] SPEAKER_03: to some of the best brands out there in the world. [15:28] SPEAKER_03: And so I called calls, you know, Jared, [15:30] SPEAKER_03: and I said, hey, when you, like, [15:31] SPEAKER_03: could I bring this brand to Canada [15:34] SPEAKER_03: and long story short, we came to this agreement. [15:37] SPEAKER_03: And here we are. [15:39] SPEAKER_03: But what it was was a passion for making the world [15:42] SPEAKER_03: a better place, helping people [15:44] SPEAKER_03: that's happier, healthier lives. [15:48] SPEAKER_03: And I think that if you're gonna run your business, [15:51] SPEAKER_03: it doesn't matter what it is, if you love it. [15:53] SPEAKER_03: And so I'm lucky to have an accountant background. [15:56] SPEAKER_03: I think it's critical that you know your numbers [15:58] SPEAKER_03: when you run a business. [16:00] SPEAKER_02: Yeah. [16:00] SPEAKER_03: But I'm also generally quite creative. [16:02] SPEAKER_03: And so that's really helped us to navigate this, [16:08] SPEAKER_03: you know, very interesting last six years. [16:10] SPEAKER_04: So you got both sides of the brain working? [16:13] SPEAKER_03: Yeah. [16:13] Speaker UNKNOWN: Right? [16:14] SPEAKER_04: So, you know, it's quite an important thing, right? [16:18] SPEAKER_04: Because, you know, most business owners really don't have, [16:24] SPEAKER_04: you know, especially the smaller entrepreneurs [16:25] SPEAKER_04: don't have that financial background. [16:28] SPEAKER_04: And so I think you probably have a very good advantage [16:32] SPEAKER_04: there, having that background as well, right? [16:36] SPEAKER_03: Yeah, absolutely. [16:37] SPEAKER_03: I mean, I think just knowing how to navigate the business, [16:40] SPEAKER_03: how numbers intersected at every point, [16:42] SPEAKER_03: finance really underpins all the different areas [16:45] SPEAKER_03: of the business. [16:46] SPEAKER_03: And one of the things that I actually started doing is, [16:49] SPEAKER_03: one of my business was a lot smaller, [16:51] SPEAKER_03: when the old deer had just first started, [16:53] SPEAKER_03: my head extra capacity in my team had, you know, [16:56] SPEAKER_03: so amazing marketing talent. [16:58] SPEAKER_03: And some really additional finance knowledge. [17:02] SPEAKER_03: And so I actually started supporting other business owners [17:05] SPEAKER_03: in their, you know, often in the finance part, [17:09] SPEAKER_03: their own business. [17:11] SPEAKER_03: And through that, established such as capital [17:14] SPEAKER_03: as sort of a small and medium-sized strategic advisory [17:19] SPEAKER_03: and financial advisory firm. [17:21] SPEAKER_03: And so I now operate both of these where we really focus [17:24] SPEAKER_03: on helping those other small businesses to navigate. [17:27] SPEAKER_03: And understand their numbers because I think, [17:30] SPEAKER_03: you know, it's critical to our success. [17:32] SPEAKER_03: And I love to be able to help them ask the question [17:35] SPEAKER_03: understand that they would not be able to do. [17:39] SPEAKER_04: Okay, so obviously in all of businesses facing [17:44] SPEAKER_04: very tough times right now, especially in Calgary, right? [17:48] SPEAKER_04: But, you know, we talked about the oil patch down turn [17:50] SPEAKER_04: and obviously the COVID, what's your best piece of advice [17:54] SPEAKER_04: for entrepreneurs right now? [17:57] SPEAKER_04: Many who are struggling, some of them are, you know, [18:00] SPEAKER_04: just at the point of trying to make a decision [18:02] SPEAKER_04: whether to carry on or just pack up the bags. [18:06] SPEAKER_03: Oh, that's a very good question. [18:09] SPEAKER_03: I think my best piece of advice is that it's okay to fail [18:13] SPEAKER_03: and that to separate yourself worth as an individual [18:17] SPEAKER_03: from your business is very difficult. [18:19] SPEAKER_03: And closing a business doesn't mean you're failing [18:22] SPEAKER_03: or that yourself is at stake. [18:24] SPEAKER_03: So, you know, I would encourage people to really, [18:27] SPEAKER_03: you know, to fight if you can, but to acknowledge [18:30] SPEAKER_03: that, you know, these things happen [18:33] SPEAKER_03: and that the only certainty we have is today, [18:35] SPEAKER_03: but there's so much, you know, opportunity out there. [18:38] SPEAKER_03: And yeah, just to keep fighting if you can, [18:43] SPEAKER_03: but that it's okay that if this particular one [18:46] SPEAKER_03: doesn't work out because something that is coming. [18:50] SPEAKER_04: Okay, super then. [18:51] SPEAKER_04: Well, thanks for joining us today, Lisa. [18:53] SPEAKER_04: Well, thanks for having me. [18:54] SPEAKER_04: Okay, that was Lisa Shelley, [18:56] SPEAKER_04: who is CEO of Neal's Yard Remedies in Calgary. [19:00] SPEAKER_04: This has been Calgary's podcast on Canada's podcast, [19:04] SPEAKER_04: Network. [19:05] SPEAKER_04: I'm Mario Tonoguzzi, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, [19:08] SPEAKER_04: LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. [19:11] SPEAKER_04: Thanks for joining us today. [19:13] SPEAKER_00: This podcast is sponsored by eBay Canada. [19:16] SPEAKER_00: eBay Canada is here to help. [19:18] SPEAKER_00: They've been supporting Canadian small business retailers [19:21] SPEAKER_00: for 25 years and their up and running program [19:23] SPEAKER_00: is getting Canadian businesses online today. [19:27] SPEAKER_00: Visit eBay.ca forward slash up and running. [19:31] SPEAKER_00: Stay local and sell global with eBay.
