Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bailey Franklyn, Founder of Harvest Table Nutrition, located in Collingwood, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a plant-based culinary dietitian empowering busy non-cooking with the confidence to create healthy plant-based meals. I offer to provide private and group cooking classes (and workshops soon) to show people exactly how to transition to a more plant-rich diet, have conversations around where our food comes from, and show people that they can enjoy plant-based eating without feeling like they're missing out on their favourite foods.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as a dietitian in a medical clinic for 3 years, teaching people about healthy eating, but I realized talking about nutrition in an office is so much different than showing people how to eat healthier. I then moved into a role as a retail dietitian in a grocery store, which was great because I could meet people where they purchase their food and hopefully make a difference. Even there, I realized so many people don't know how to cook, don't have the confidence to cook, or don't have the time. I left that job to go to culinary school. From there, I combined my passion for nutrition & cooking and created Harvest Table Nutrition. My goal is to show people exactly how to prepare foods and improve their cooking skills and confidence. Additionally, being plant-based and with more and more people getting interested in that way of eating, I want to show people that plant-based eating can be easy, tasty, and healthy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making some wonderful in-person connections within my community. I'm an introvert through and through, so putting myself out there and suggesting partnerships or collaborations is terrifying. But it's been so worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a solopreneur is lonely and can be quite isolating. It's hard not to have people to talk to regularly and bounce ideas off. Forcing myself to get out, network, and meet people can be a real challenge sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start now. You don't have to have everything in order, and you don't have to know exactly what you're doing. But the sooner you start, the sooner you'll figure stuff out.
- Work with a business coach or get involved in a community of other business owners (online or in person). Not only is it a great way to network, but talking to other business owners is wonderful because you'll realize everyone is in the same boat or has the same thoughts or doubts you do.
- Take time for yourself. As a business owner, it's possible to work 24/7, but you'll lose steam and possibly resent what you're doing if you don't stop every once in a while and take a break.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.harvesttablenutrition.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvesttablenutrition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvesttablenutrition/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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