Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josée Curé, Founder of J’em Bistro, located in Saint Pierre-Jolys, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
J’em Bistro is an avenue to share our love for fresh, local ingredients and products through pop-up events, catering, and workshops.
Tell us about yourself
It started as a seasonal side hustle in 2014, selling fresh produce, preserves, and baked goods at the local markets. It was a way for me to do what I loved until completing my formal education from 2016-2017. I shifted from a seasonal business, J’em Jardin, to a year-round restaurant called J’em Bistro in 2019. We focused on made-from-scratch foods and baking while incorporating fresh local ingredients whenever possible. From there, we adapted and introduced workshops, events, an in-house store of local products, meal subscriptions, and more. In Fall 2022, we chose to close the restaurant itself but continue to operate out of the commercial space offering the rest of our services. Sharing my love for food creativity and knowledge with others fuels me daily.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having opened a restaurant less than a year before the pandemic and shifting the concept numerous times to remain operational has been my proudest accomplishment. Throughout my journey, I have met numerous other like-minded entrepreneurs and have had the chance to collaborate together. It’s been an amazing journey so far.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is the sacrifices made in your personal life to ensure your team, brand, and customers are taken care of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Network yourself and build a good support system of different entrepreneurs and resources.
- Educate yourself. This does not mean going to university or college, but it is important to stay informed and adaptable, especially when it comes to your targeted demographic, industry trends, and marketing plan.
- You’re going to eat, breathe and sleep your business for the first while. You will miss many events and milestones. Ensure your family/friends are supportive of this to avoid added stress and emotional strain.
- Remember to constantly drink water.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jemmanitoba.com/jembistro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jembistro204
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jem.bistro/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.