Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Kovacevic, owner of Fresh Market Farms, located in Millgrove, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're proud to be a family-owned, sustainable farm and one of the largest self-serve cut flower farms in the Toronto and Niagara area. Our business is built on the slow flower philosophy. We take pride in sharing our vision through our flowers, our stunning lineup of home products, and our growing array of retail stores. If there was one value that our team and our customers share, it is the love of beautiful things and a love for the beauty hidden in everyday life.
Tell us about yourself
It all started with finding my love for flowers and gardening. The pandemic allowed me more time to focus on improving and expanding my garden until I realized how many comments I was getting from family and friends telling me that this was something worth pursuing. It was with their love and support that Fresh Market Farms was born. I'm motivated every day by the smiles on our customer's faces. Flowers are unique in that it's tough to be sad with a bouquet in your hand! The feedback and smiles that we get are proof that my efforts are worthwhile.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When my sons were young and we lived in Toronto, the whole family would take a trip to the distillery district market, where we would look at the lights, talk to the vendors, and take pictures. Those memories were magical to the young boys. Years later, seeing my own business there as a vendor was beautiful. It was an incredible accomplishment to see my flowers, plants, and products selling at the Distillery District market, especially while opening the first-ever Fresh Market Farms retail store in the Burlington Centre.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are ups and downs. There are moments where it feels like you're putting in way more than you're getting out. Use it as a lesson. Take these opportunities to strengthen your team, strengthen yourself, and learn to overcome adversity. You're also never alone. Build a network of supportive, knowledgeable people you can always trust to talk about the tough times. (You might just laugh about them later!)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find an area where you can exist with little competition while putting all available resources into improving your core offerings and your people.
- Be team-driven. Take time to ensure that you bring out the best in every team member. They all have the potential to do incredible things, and that's why you hired them!
- Be open to change, humble yourself, realize that you can't control externalities, learn to overcome the most challenging times, and roll with the punches. In the same way plants can grow through a crack in the sidewalk, you need to remember to plant your roots deep before you grow!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Fresh Market Farms is proudly growing in the online space. Our products are now available online through our website! Go check it out at the link below! :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.freshmarketfarms.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshmarketfarms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshmarketfarms/
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.