Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gaby Kassas, founder of Café Sfouf, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

Café Sfouf was born with the intention to give the neighborhood a social space to connect with other people. A place for families, students, and workers. I like the idea of the cafe being transgenerational, just like society is.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a mother of two wonderful kids, and when I had the idea of opening a café, they were three years old and six months. I wanted to have a lifestyle that would allow me to be with them and offer them a living environment since the cafe is right by our house. When I finally opened, they were already 4 and 1 1/2. The cafe is their second home. The staff, their family, and the customers in the village surround them and help them grow into beautiful human beings. They're 11 and 9 now, and they adore being and working at the cafe. I can say that my mission is accomplished for them and when I see how much people appreciate what we offer as being part of the community, it always warms my heart. I'm so happy and proud of contributing to society.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I learned so much about my job in the last few years, but most importantly, I learned how to be a true leader for my people. Being a business owner means managing humans, and it was the biggest challenge for me. I've always treated my staff as family, and I always encourage them to give the best of themselves. I provide them with the opportunity to express who they are, share their ideas, and question things. I see myself as the captain of the ship. I'm there to make sure that everybody goes in the same direction, but I cannot drive the ship alone. We need each other.

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

Owning a business means managing risks, facing unexpected events, resolve problems. It takes energy and time. Sometimes it needs to be done fast; it can be a puzzle to solve some situations. There's financial stress involved, and some tasks require a lot of creativity. But that's all the process to grow and evolve.

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

Do something that you believe in. Be in business for the right reasons
that will be your motivation for waking up every day and doing it. Work with people you can trust build a team. You can't do everything by yourself. Have fun!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Café-Sfouf-376856549121177/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafesfouf/

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.