Premiere European Artisan Bakery - Give Thanks Bakery

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katy Knoer, owner of Give Thanks Bakery, located in Rochester, MI, USA.

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

We are a European artisan bakery in its 24th year of operation in Rochester, Detroit, and Royal Oak, MI. We make the finest artisan bread, croissants, pastries, cookies, cakes, and coffee for our loyal customer's enjoyment!

Tell us about yourself

I am an avid baker, foodie, and energetic entrepreneur who purchased the bakery from its founder in January 2021. I am motivated by our culture of generosity, gratitude, and service to others expressed through delicious baked goods that bring joy to people's lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is ushering this treasured small business through and out of a devastating pandemic AND expanding to open two additional locations (Detroit and Royal Oak).

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

Small business owners work 30 hours a day, eight days a week which is one of the hardest things. Finding a balance that allows time for faith, family, friends, and well-being is challenging.

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

  1. Be willing to do anything! Mop the floor, clean the bathrooms, count the money, run errands.
  2. Make developing your team culture a priority - it won't happen on its own.
  3. Have courage and dream big - the risk can be high, but the reward can be great!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I became a small business owner and entrepreneur in my early 50s after spending 23 years raising our five children - it's never too late to own your own business!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://givethanksbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givethanksbakery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givethanksbakery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-thanks-bakery/


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.