Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob Trembinski, founder of Cornucopia Gourmet Popcorn Co., located in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada.

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

Founded in 2018 and purchased by local owners Rob and Stefania in 2020, Cornucopia Gourmet Popcorn Company is proud to bring joy to our customers with our delicious gourmet popcorn. We are a small local business looking to add a little happiness in the popped form to the people of the Soo and surrounding areas. We make everything from scratch and pop our popcorn in small batches to ensure the best possible snacking experience every time. We take pride in what we do and always have quality and customer experience at the top of our agenda! We also love helping schools, sports teams, and charities raise money in a delicious way!

Tell us about yourself

Popcorn equals happiness for us. We love sharing that happiness with our customers and friends alike and love to keep coming up with new flavours and new ideas that keep us excited about our products. We aren't your run-of-the-mill everyday snacks - we are made fresh from the kernels right here in the sault, from scratch, and source our ingredients from Canada as much as possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is seeing the success our wholesale partners have in selling our products. We love the demand our partners have for our flavours that keeps them returning to their businesses again and again for more popcorn.

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

Balance. There's always more to do and more flavours to try. More products to test and more sales to make. It's tough to do it all as a small business and keep everyone happy. Plus, the ongoing cost that inflation is having on our ingredients is tough. We are seeing our costs rising rapidly, and we can't keep upping our prices. Again, that comes down to balance.

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

  1. Keep going. If you believe in it, make it happen.
  2. Don't try to make everyone happy. It's impossible. Don't let the Karens get you down.
  3. Be patient with the process but be ready to grind when needed.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The Sault is a great place to live, learn and grow, and we love serving our community. If we can ever help any other business with tips or ideas, or you'd like us to be part of your events or business, reach out anytime!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cornucopiapopcorn.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CornucopiaPopcornSault/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornucopia_sault

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.