Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joe Baker, founder of Joe Baker & Co., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

We are a human capital consultancy focusing on Canada's tourism and hospitality industry. From training to talent sourcing to strategic planning, we are a full-service firm helping individuals and organizations at the core of an inclusive, future-forward industry.

Tell us about yourself

I am a passionate leader within Canada's tourism, hospitality, and education sectors and a vocal advocate for a resilient, inclusive, future-forward industry.

I was previously Dean at Centennial College's School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts in Toronto, where I led the most significant transformation in the school's over 50-year history. I have held senior management roles at George Brown College's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, including Director of Operations, Services, and Partnerships. Before joining higher education, I worked in hotels and managed restaurants.

I have a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership, a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and extensive executive education and certifications. I serve proudly on the board of directors at Tourism HR Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.

Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?

My morning ritual borderlines on obsession. I am fanatical about my morning routine during the week. It sets the stage for my days and weeks. I give myself weekends off.

I wake up Monday – Friday at 4:45 am. I drink a big glass of water with lemon juice and splash cold water on my face to wake up. I take a multivitamin and vitamin D supplement with lots of Omega 3s.

I have listened to Tony Robbins and his Hour of Power every weekday for more than a decade. It sets me in the right direction. He is absolutely my life coach. It’s breathing, finding gratitude, setting intentions, and visualizing.

I blend some combination of physical exercise for 30-60 minutes. A combination of stretching, weight training, and cardio. These days, my absolute favorite cardio routine is on my digital water rowing machine called the Hydrow. I love it.

Once my physical activity is complete, I do 20 minutes of guided meditation. Dr. Joe Dispenza’s morning meditation is my absolute go-to these days. It’s a combination of mindfulness, breathing, looking forward and letting go. Letting go is my weakness.

After all of this, I make myself a smoothie. It is my nutritional foundation for the day. Here is my recipe – a banana, wild blueberries (have to be wild, way more nutrient dense), coconut kefir, flax, hemp, sprouted chia and flax (sprouted means higher absorption), almond butter, pomegranate seeds (when I can find them) and chickpea milk (a high protein plant milk).

After that, I brewed Rufino coffee with no toxins and sparkling water (Liquid Death is the best), and I started my day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to be intentional about who I work with. I am highly selective about my clients and have a strict no a$$hole rule! Life is too short to work with people who only want to take. I am a natural giver and am drawn to help others overcome adversity.

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

Life is unpredictable. Business ownership is also unpredictable. Transitioning from a job to owning a business has reminded me how little I can truly control and how much I need to be constantly on the lookout for disruptions and in a constant state of transformation.

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

Whatever you think your business is going to be focused on, be prepared to adapt as the conditions around you change. Add value as much as you can. The more value you give to your customers and clients, the more you will build longstanding relationships. Be present. Breathe. Enjoy every moment. Even the ones that seem overwhelming. Those too shall pass. I have a mantra I tell myself whenever I need to remind myself to be present. "At this moment, there is nothing but calm within me." Calm is a superpower. Relax. Have fun. Laugh. All while you work as hard as you can.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The greatest myth we are programmed to believe is that life and business bring a certain amount of certainty. I have never found that to be true. The faster you find a way to be fine amidst the chaos around you, the faster your business and yourself begin to thrive. Anything can happen. Anything will happen. It's ok. You are ok. Ride the storm. Be calm. Smile.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thejoebaker.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoebaker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoebaker/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejoebaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoebaker/

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.