Nutmeg & Sugar - Anike Ayeni
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anike Ayeni, owner of Nutmeg & Sugar, located in Ottawa, ON, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Nutmeg & Sugar is a home bakery that strives to make tasty and memorable treats you can share with your peers. Offering desserts made with higher quality ingredients and believing that you don't need crazy additives and fillers to make something delicious. Where the focus is to create something that gives a sense of comfort and enjoyment.
Tell us about yourself
Almost all of my family members could cook. Many gatherings and events were centered around food and the preparation process. So naturally, I've also grown to love food and the way it brings people together. Every weekend, I'd wake up early to watch the Food Network, curious about what creations the chefs and bakers were going to whip up next. I took cooking courses in high school and pursued culinary and pastry chef training in college. After spending time working in a few bakeries and learning more tips and tricks, I began baking treats and cakes for friends and family. The amount of pride and joy I felt from them enjoying what I made was everything. Brought me right back to when I was a kid helping adults in the kitchen. That's probably the point when I decided that this is my profession.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Sometimes we get too comfortable in keeping activities we excel in as a hobby. Either because we've settled for that regular day job or have a tough time picturing that activity as a real career. We don't want to face any risks, criticism, or straight-up failure. I think I'm most proud of taking that first step regardless of my fears. This, of course, was due to the big confidence boost I gained from all the important people in my life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying organized. When you start your own business, you need to make sure you have everything documented and planned in advance. It can be very easy to fall behind as it's just you or a few individuals managing everything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ideas can be found anywhere. Think about hobbies you enjoy and often do. There's a chance they could actually become a profitable business.
- Sit down, brainstorm a name, and look for your business that shows who you are/what the business is about. The overall style and vibe will act as a first impression.
- Research different trends and keep practicing different techniques. No matter how good you are at something, there's always room for improvement.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My bakery business is still very new, but I'm glad that I've started this journey. Expressing my creative side through my passion has been an eye-opening experience. However, the most important thing is that I get to make others happy with my products.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073365227266
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutmeg_and_sugar/
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.