Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Aho.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I joined my uncle, Dan, in owning a Benjamin Moore paint store in 2014. I took over the shop while he was battling cancer and he has since passed away in 2019. During that time I brought in Fusion Mineral Paint, a DIY paint for upcycling furniture, started hosting workshops and added more painted furniture and home goods. In 2022 I made the leap to rebrand to something that I was really passionate about, being a place for people to come to for their DIY projects, local makers to sell their products and workshops. I decided to name my new shop The Black Cabin. The Black Cabin is a nod to my family cabin that was built by my Great Grandpa. He was such a handyman and was DIY before DIY had a name! I wanted The Black Cabin to be a place to get inspired, share ideas, experiences and be a DIY destination! Since then, I have brought in many local brands and makers into the shop and love supporting other small businesses!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning your own small business is so rewarding, but also can be so hard. You are everything in your business from marketing, to HR to purchasing, sales and the list is never ending. The struggle is to figure out what you are good at and what you can let go of and to get the right people on your team to work on the things that you aren’t so good with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Black Cabin is known for our Fusion paint, workshops and locally made goods. Our workshop space has expanded in the past year and have been able to add more workshops and continue to bring in more all the time!
I am proud of owning my own small business for over ten years, but also being able to support so many other local small business. Having so many local vendors in my shop and people hosting workshops and sharing their passions with others in workshops has been a highlight for me.
What sets me apart from others is the excitement and knowledge that I have for the products and local makers in my shop and I love sharing that with everyone that comes in!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is to have a great support system. That includes friends and family and other businesses owners. Osseo is a great place to have a shop, as there are so many others that encourage and lift each other up. When one shop is doing well it will helps everyone. Surround yourself with likeminded people who want to support and encourage each other! I would not be where I am without my friends, family and my customers that have become friends along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theblackcabin.com
- Instagram: theblackcabinosseo
- Facebook: theblackcabinosseo
