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WINTER 2024
As a result, Funk and her fam-
ily decided to open a third-party
warehouse in the Netherlands
where their products are now
shipped from to fulfil European
orders. Mike Cancade says that
still poses a logistical challenge
in terms of making sure the
warehouse is stocked with six to
eight weeks' worth of product at
any given time.
"This has been far more chal-
lenging than the U.S.," Cancade
says.
Funk's advice to businesses
considering expansion into the
U.S. or other international mar-
kets is to think big.
"Allow yourself to dream big
and push those dreams and see
if they're feasible and if they
make sense. Don't sell yourself
short," she says.
Cancade adds business
owners shouldn't be afraid to
venture into foreign markets.
"Don't be scared of borders.
They can be a bit of a challenge
but don't be intimidated by
them," he explains.
Cancade also recommends
businesses access free services
offered by the provincial and
federal governments as well as
their local chamber of com-
merce. His company has worked
with Canadian trade commis-
sioners in several countries and
he says they provided invalu-
able support in helping get their
products into new markets.
LEAPING BEYOND LOCAL CONT.
Allow yourself to dream big and push those dreams and see if they're
feasible and if they make sense. Don't sell yourself short."
– Melissa Funk, CEO and co-founder of Lynn & Liana Designs
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SUBMITTED PHOTOS
