Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kirsten Wood, owner of Blue Spruce Ice Cream, located in Courtenay, BC, Canada.

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

We’re a small batch indigenous-owned artisan ice cream shop specializing in unique and west coast-inspired flavours.

Tell us about yourself

I love being creative, experimenting with new flavours, and collaborating with other food producers. I am passionate about having ethical business practices in my shop regarding our environmental footprint, a healthy workplace for our staff, and using sustainable ingredients. It’s really a pleasure to make people happy with ice cream.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’m very proud of how little waste our shop makes. I am super happy to see our staff members grow as individuals and in their own work ethics. We’ve been in business for four years now and have had many of the same staff for the entire duration. I consider that a great accomplishment.

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

Navigating the COVID challenges for the past few years has been quite a learning experience. I think it has made all of us more adaptable, stronger, resilient, and grateful. Balancing work life and personal life is always challenging. Developing a consistent routine at work and planning for the short and long-term future has helped with that.

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

  1. Keep at it. Even if it seems daunting, keep going.
  2. You’re never alone when running a business, even if it feels like that. Ask for help. Talk to people about what you’re doing and ask for their opinions. It’s an incredible advantage to have peers.
  3. Take time to clear your mind of work thoughts by doing things that bring you happiness. It’s a long-haul lifestyle, and you gotta pace yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bluespruceicecream.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bluesprucecv/

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.

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