Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Betsy Hiebert, owner of Cocoabeans Bakeshop Inc., located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

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

Dedicated Gluten-free Bakery, Kitchen, and Food Processing. Our customers are people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, food allergies/sensitivities, people who choose to follow a vegetarian/vegan diet.

Tell us about yourself

I started my bakery in my basement kitchen 12 years ago. My goal was to conduct research at farmer's markets to see what people were looking for, what they would buy, how much they would pay, and how often. All these years later, we are in our 2nd bricks and mortar store, have created four certified gluten-free mixes, and are adding a food-processing facility to sell more products into grocery stores.

My three kids and three siblings have celiac disease. My goal has always been to push the limits of what gluten-free is and can be when customers tell me that they love our food and love what we do - that motivates me every day!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been keeping my store going through COVID. We've had two years of roller-coaster business, and it has tested me in ways I could never have imagined. We've been able to keep ten people on the payroll, and that has been extremely satisfying as a business owner.

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

The hardest things that hit you as a business owner are cash flow, Human Resources, and just trying to keep your business afloat. It can be a very lonely place to be, as there are days when you feel like you have no friends because your time is invested in your business.

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

  1. Be passionate about what you do - that takes you far!
  2. If you can't or don't know how to manage your cash flow - find someone who can help you do this
  3. Stay focused on what you want to achieve and be flexible. There are days when I feel like I'm in a video game and being bombarded with bombs trying to derail me or stop me from advancing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love what I do - if I hadn't been diagnosed with celiac, I don't think I'd have ever chosen to be an entrepreneur - even though I had wanted to own my own business for years. I was petrified of doing my own books and year ends - I have someone who helps me with that now. ;)

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocoabeansgf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoabeansgf/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-hiebert-826a9741/

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.