Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracie Aarts, owner of Arva Mill House Bakery, located in Arva, ON, Canada.

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

A scent, a taste, that inviting view, or a tantalizing bite of a fresh-baked little something can bring the majority of us back to a special place in our childhood. At the Arva Mill House Bakery, we enjoy putting smiles on people's faces by bringing some childhood back to life with old recipes renewed. We use simple local ingredients and aim for soul-satisfying baked goods reminiscent of Grammy's baking. We'd like our customers to revisit memories while making new ones.

Our customers are our neighbors and community. That being said, we have regulars coming from hours away! They are looking for a wholesome product with few ingredients that they just don't have time to make at home themselves. We aim to give them just that.

Tell us about yourself

Becoming a mother made me concerned about what I'm feeding my family. What all those ingredients were on the back of the products, and what impact do those products have on our bodies after a prolonged time. I've used Arva Flour Mills products in my baking as it was local, non-GMO, and unbleached flour. A bakery at the Mill seemed like a great idea, so … why not me? With COVID, it became more of a small take-out business rather than the sit-in bakery bistro I had envisioned; however, we are growing and gaining in popularity! The mornings are early, and some days are very long, but when customers come in excited for their morning coffee and scone, it makes it all worthwhile!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This little bakery of mine is just under two years old. The hurdles seem to be many some days, and yet each day we open, we gain more customers and grow this business into something more and with greater meaning. This Christmas, my staff presented me with a coffee mug (I drink a copious amount of coffee) inscribed with "Worlds Greatest Boss" and the company logo. This is my biggest accomplishment. A business is only as great as its employees, and I consider myself pretty lucky.

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

One of the hardest things and yet the most important about being a business owner is learning how to roll with the punches. There are more than a fair share of surprises with business ownership, and some pack a whollop. Being resilient becomes an artform. You have to think on your feet and make the most of whatever situation is put in front of you. Pandemics, labour shortages, the list goes on. A business, its owner, and employees have to learn to be adaptable and overcome obstacles.

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

  1. Start small and get bigger when you are able.
  2. Just start. Take the leap. You'll never be fully prepared or ready.
  3. It gets overwhelming. Take one day at a time. One step at a time. One moment at a time. Just breathe and go forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business ownership is difficult. Being an entrepreneur sounds grandiose, but it can be terribly lonely and difficult to maneuver through. Always ask for help. Always lean on family or friends when you can, and you're able to. Seek out mentorship and guidance from local business centers, teachers, financial advisors, etc.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://arvamillhousebakery.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arvamillhousebakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arvamillhousebakery/

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.