Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donat Koller, owner, and CEO of Happy Days Dairies, located in Salmon Arm, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We produce high-end goat dairy products for humans and pets. Our line includes goat milk, fermented goat milk products, and a large variety of cheeses. Our pet line offers products made from raw goat milk and active probiotics in a variety of flavours and supplements.
Tell us about yourself
I am a dairy farmer and cheese maker by trade. I immigrated from Switzerland to Canada with the goal to build this business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have seen a lot of businesses start and disappear. I am proud that we made it for almost 30 years, providing goat farmer families and employees income and offering customers healthy and great tasting products.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The responsibility. When things go well, we need to step back and praise everybody who helped, and when things are tough or mistakes happen, then we need to stand in the front and take full responsibility.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be passionate about what you want to do, but don't let the passion blind you.
Do your homework, run your numbers, and be careful when you invest.
Do everything you can yourself at the beginning, then as soon as you can afford it, outsource or delegate.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you have an idea or feel you have something to share with the world, then go for it, despite the fears. We all have fears of failure, but don't let it stop you.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donat-koller-a2934b5a/
https://www.facebook.com/HappyDaysGoatDairy
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.
