Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kimberley Stark, owner of Bear's Paw Bakery, located in Jasper, AB, Canada.

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

We are a scratch bakery located in the beautiful mountain town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park. We make our products in-house with proven recipes, dedication, and love for what we do. We offer a full espresso menu as well as soups and sandwiches. We are lucky to be a local favorite as well as having guests from all corners of the globe.

Tell us about yourself

I am a single mom by choice to three wonderful little girls aged two years and under. I have owned my business for 20 years now and still love what I do. I originally started with Bear's Paw Bakery with no formal training in business or baking. I was actually a university student finishing up my secondary education degree. I literally thought you bought a business, and people worked for you...how hard could it be! LOL!!! It has been equally challenging and rewarding. I love that we are a local favorite. Supporting my community is very important to me. I also love that we have fans of our products all over the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In these times, staying open and providing a livelihood for the staff who rely on me for a pay-cheque. In regular times, having fresh eyes as best I can and continue to strive to always be better.

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

Staffing. Especially in a tourist town. It is very hard to find any staff but especially the quality staff. But we keep trying, and if I reflect on the crew from the past and the current ones, we have faired pretty well!

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

  1. Be 100% in.
  2. When you start, be prepared to work a LOT!
  3. Have fun. I always tell my staff, we are not saving lives. We are baking the world a better place.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think that it is more important to try and fail than always wonder.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bearspawbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bears-Paw-Bakery-The-Other-Paw-Bakery-Cafe-257379384568/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearspawbakery/

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.