Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeanine Smith, owner of Cole's Bakery & Cafe, located in Spokane, WA, USA.

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

Cole's Bakery & Café is a 100% gluten-free full-service restaurant and bakery. We are dedicated to providing a dining experience the entire family will enjoy - regardless of food allergies. Our customers are people who need to or choose to eat food that doesn't contain gluten. In addition to being Gluten-Free, we are also 100% peanut-free. We cater to people following a Dairy-Free, Vegan, or Keto way of eating. From the newly diagnosed (celiac) 80 year old to the two-year-old that can't have sugar, we have something for everyone!

Tell us about yourself

I love feeding people. I love cooking. I love baking. Good food brings people together. Providing a completely "safe" and delicious environment for people with food allergies or intolerances to enjoy motivates me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I haven't accomplished the biggest thing yet. I have very big goals in growing the business, and these goals take time and patience. Stay tuned...

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

The most challenging aspect of being a business owner is navigating all aspects of the business needs. Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, and Operations are all things you do every day. Finding the balance between those and all the other stuff that comes up daily can be a challenge.

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

  1. Be realistic.
  2. Plan.
  3. Plan to work very hard.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://colesbakeryandcafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colesbakeryandcafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colesbakeryandcafe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/colesbakerycafe

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.