Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jiten Grover, owner of Dipped Donuts Inc., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a gourmet donut company based in Kensington Market, Toronto.
Our aim is to provide customers with the highest quality donuts that they can get in Canada. We use high-quality ingredients and make almost everything from the dough to the toppings in-house.
We want to be as innovative as possible. We want to ensure that we provide the customer with the best product with the best customer experience.
Tell us about yourself
I started making donuts in 2015 after realizing there were no good donuts within the city. I tried every single place, but I did not feel I was getting what I paid for. I decided there and then to quit my job and try and do it myself. It was a big step as I had studied biomedical science and was working in finance, but I wasn't happy and decided to dive into Donut making head first. Fast forward a few years of R&Ding and selling wholesale to cafes, we got our first store in Kensington Market at the end of 2018. Since we opened, we have had a loyal customer base and have been rated one of the best donut stores within Toronto.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Customers! I love seeing when a customer bites into our donut and says, 'This is sooo good' Or 'mmmmm' or OH MY GOD YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS.' It is the best feeling knowing that the 6-7 hours spent forming the dough, cutting it, frying it, and glazing it all paid off.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Marketing! I am honestly not the best at marketing because I focus entirely on the product itself. I want to make sure the quality is 100%, and because of that, I do not pay attention to my marketing and social media. Luckily due to our popularity, we always have repeat customers and new customers daily. We know we are recommended by a lot of people to be the donut place to go to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research your business - If you find that you can do something better or find a niche in a product - research it to make sure no one else has done it.
- Finances - Understand your finances - always have a business plan and update it yearly to make sure you are on the right track
- Staff retention - If you are looking to hire staff - they are your key to becoming a great company. Treat them how you expect to be treated. Give them extra holidays, time off, pay, and treat them with respect. Understand each personality and give them a role that fits their goals and personality.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
'You miss 100% of the shots you do not take' If you have a passion or idea for something, then just do it. Test it out and see if you have a customer base; otherwise, you would always regret not doing it
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dippeddonuts.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dippeddonutsinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dippeddonutsinc/
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.
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