Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Delaney, co-founder of Chef's Vault, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Our business is to source and deliver food that is raised ethically, sustainably, and regeneratively. We work with Canadians who are making a difference and have exceptionally good products.

Our customers are people who understand that the decision you make in the food you consume has a larger impact on the environment, local small businesses, but who also love telling a story to their guests about where their food came from, who grew it, and how they prepared it.

Tell us about yourself

I've been in the entrepreneurial food space for a decade. I first started working with a local beef processing facility with the intention of creating Canada's best organic and grass-fed. It's developed into working with several sustainable fisheries and selling these products across the GTA and the country. In 2020, we had an obvious slowdown and the right third-party logistics supply partner to launch a direct-to-consumer business. Chef's Vault was created. We now give our customers the opportunity to buy products that only the restaurants have access to and a story they can feel good about supporting.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'd have to say overcoming the IT hurdle and surrounding myself with capable partners. We've partnered with an incredible photographer, a chef who worked at Michelin Star restaurants, and a tech guru with a track record. All of these have helped us build a brand presence online and bring the idea to life.

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

The day-to-day ups and downs of the sales cycles. "One day you're up the next day your down, it's the way the world goes round" (John Prine) But I live for it and love the satisfaction of a happy customer.

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

I don't like to boil things down into three things, and I can't say I've unlocked the secret to success, but patience, relationships, and a solid plan are three good places to start.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To all the entrepreneurs out there, I salute you. You make the world a little more interesting and exciting. Pursue your passion and drive change.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chefsvault.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefsvault/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefs.vault/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chef-s-vault/

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.