Smiths Falls Entertainment Hub

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pat Maloney, owner of Bowie's, located in Smiths Falls, ON, Canada.

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

Bowie's is a 60 capacity music club & event space in downtown Smiths Falls. We host a diverse evening entertainment program and a curated selection of regional craft beer. Our guests enjoy world-class live music in an intimate setting while eating elevated comfort food till the wee hours of the morning.

Tell us about yourself

I moved to Smiths Falls with my wife and baby daughter a few years ago from Toronto. I was producing music and working as a songwriter but didn't want to travel anymore. Opening a live music club felt like a way to contribute to Arts & Culture while staying put geographically. I found an old candy store and transformed it into a cool little venue for bands, songwriters, comedians, etc. Plopping this idea in a small town that I wasn't hugely familiar with was a bit of a hail Mary. But the talent that has emerged and embraced Bowie's little stage is just awesome. I want to offer new & original artists a place that champions their talents, helps them develop, and sees them thrive.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I had never built a birdhouse before gutting and redesigning my 135-year-old commercial space. The last stroke of paint before we opened in Autumn 2019 felt huge to me.

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

Sticking to the vision can be tough sometimes. As the business evolves, it would be easy to get carried away or distracted from the big idea. Bowie's can't be everything to everybody, but those that get it, get it. I try not to let down the believers by watering down the vibe. I try to remind myself why I believe in the concept in the first place and let that belief guide my decisions.

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

Be brave and take risks.
Know your audience and be honest.
Save save save (there might be a pandemic someday)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bowiessmithsfalls.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bowiessmithsfalls/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowiessmithsfalls/

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.