Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacy MacDonald, owner of Almonak, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a small family-run restaurant & café nestled in the bustling North End of Halifax. Our customers love good coffee, creative dishes, and fantastic service. We are known for our fresh and fun brunch dishes, but we will also be opening for dinner and patio season soon!!

Tell us about yourself

After living out West for many years, we made a decision to move to Halifax to be closer to family in Cape Breton. Always having an interest in entrepreneurship and a love for good food, Almonak was born! Being small business owners has allowed us to show our young children that you can do anything you want to do with a lot of hard work!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment to date is surviving our first three years of business. With a lot of determination and a great team, we have made it through a hurricane, a fire in our building, and multiple COVID restrictions and shutdowns. It’s hard to believe that we are still kicking, but we refuse to give up on what we love. The support of our community keeps us coming back every day.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is that you don’t know what you don’t know. There is a huge learning curve with financials, day-to-day operations, staffing, marketing & promoting your business. You have to be prepared to go through a lot of unknowns (likely for the rest of your ownership career!)

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Plan ahead – start small and grow into your business. You don’t need to do everything out of the gate.
  2. Get to know your neighbours and the local business community. They will be your biggest supporters and resource as you learn to navigate your new business.
  3. Find a mentor. Get connected with someone who has been successful in growing a business. Listen, listen, and listen some more.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Small business ownership can be incredibly rewarding but also very challenging. It’s not for the faint of heart. However, there is nothing more exciting than seeing your brand grow and being appreciated by your community.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://almonak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almonakhalifax/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.