Pilimpikou Inc. is an online store that sells quality handmade products made by female artists/artisans from around Canada. We spoke with Founder and Owner, Monique Sawadogo, to find out more about them.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Pilimpikou Inc. is an online store based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and sells quality handmade products made by female artists/artisans from around Canada. Any female artisans/artists from Quebec or Canada who makes handcrafted products are invited to join Pilimpikou as a supplier, and to benefit from a strategic point of sale giving access to new customers. Thanks to the artisan suppliers, the Pilimpikou store offers various choices of handcrafted pieces while maintaining its high-quality standards. The creativity and talent of the artisans greatly enrich the online store.
What made you want to do this work?
Handmade, a real passion!
I love handcraft products, they remind me of the village in which I grew up, Pilimpikou, a rural town of about 6,750 people located in the northern region of Burkina Faso, in West Africa, where everything is handmade.
Also, having grown up surrounded by entrepreneurs, I always dreamed that one day I would have my own business.
During my maternity leave, I was constantly looking for products with natural ingredients for myself and my little family, especially my son who has sensitive skin. While visiting group pages on social media, I was able to admire the incredible work of artisan women. I then imagined a place that would offer only handmade products that I love and that I would be able to share with others who had the same needs as me.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Our mission is to highlight and support the work of women in the creative arts and crafts industry. We aim to support the economic, social, and cultural inclusion of local artists, artisans, and creators. Our greatest wish is that, through our boutique, artisans’ women will be able to live from their craft full-time.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
The female target remains our first clientele. Female of 24 to 54 years old. Women are great lovers of online purchases such as beauty products, clothing, etc. They represent 51% of online buyers.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
The company makes all its revenue through online sales of its various handmade products.
Where in Montreal can we find your profession?
We are an online shop. People can encourage us by shopping directly on our website. Delivery takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the client’s location.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Why do you offer products made by women only?
I have nothing against men. It is simply a profound desire to encourage women-owned businesses. After my son was born, I found it very difficult to balance motherhood life, work, and daily responsibilities. It opened my eyes even more to the reality of women.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of what I do is promoting emerging women artisans’ creations through the boutique. I am always impressed by the quality and creativity of those female artisans.
Every time I receive a notification of an order placed by a customer; I have an extraordinary, indescribable feeling.
Also, the “Thank You” message I receive from the suppliers when I unpack a box, is fuel for me. In difficult times, those words remind me of why I started this project.
The worst part about my business is running ads.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
‘’Entrepreneurs, the only people who work 80-hour weeks to avoid working 40-hour weeks.’’
What are your social media channels?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Montreal business that you love?
L’Enseigne verte, Coo-mon, Mimipots, Ann & Eli Apothecary, Simkha Cosmetics, all brands on our website.
