Authentic Japanese baked goods - eF & Be Bakehouse
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fumie Meguro, founder of eF & Be Bakehouse, located in Burnaby, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an online bakery specialized in authentic Japanese baked goods. We make everything from scratch, bake them fresh and deliver the final products to our customer's door.
Our customers are not only Japanese people, but also those who are interested in Japanese culture and food.
Tell us about yourself
I am Fumie Meguro, born and raised in Japan. After I moved to Canada in 2005, I was a bit homesick and started baking Japanese bread, sharing it with family and friends. Pretty quickly, I came to realize food has power: it can make you happy, bring back memories, and give comfort. I began to think that I should share this and introduce real Japanese bread to more people. I asked my best friend Bowie if she would be my business partner, and she said YES! That's how we started eF & Be Bakehouse.
Our customers—and their support—motivate us all the time! When we see messages like, "Your bread brought us memories of our trip in Japan,” "I miss my family, your bread makes me feel like I'm home,” and "My kids won't stop talking about your bread,” it just shows us we’re doing the right thing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment has been being able to keep our wonderful staff. We’ve built a strong and tight team, something we’re really proud of in these tough times.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner is having to face situations we have no control over.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Create original products, do it with a partner you can fully trust and to love what you do.
Anything else you'd like to share?
My motto: if you don't climb the mountain, you won't see the view.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/efnbebakehouse
https://www.facebook.com/eFnBeBakehouse/
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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