Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gianna Valone, owner and pastry chef of Kneadle and Thredd, located in Nashville, TN, USA.

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

I owe and operate Kneadle and Thredd, which is a mobile bagel bombe and coffee shop. We make scrumptious bagel bread that contains a whipped flavored cream cheese center. It's essentially an on-the-go, no-fuss bagel! We also offer crafted espresso drinks with house-made syrups.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a pastry chef for 15 years, following in my father's footsteps as a chef. I have always loved food and enjoy making food for other people. I have always dreamed of owning my own shop. Finally, after 12 years of luxury hotel work, I said goodbye to that corporate cushion and set off on my own. Fast forward seven months, and here we are! I just absolutely love being able to wake up each morning and make my products for the Nashville community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I felt the most accomplished by looking back at our following. We started as nothing back in May, and I spread the word around Instagram about a promo box that I literally hand-delivered each day to a couple of people who requested them and asked them to spread the word, and they did. It's crazy that many people care about what I'm making and trying to keep up with our schedule to find us. It feels great to know that our product, and us as a whole, were well received here.

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

Financial freedom for sure. Every week is different, and sometimes you can take a paycheck, and sometimes you just can't. It's a constant struggle/battle to keep everything afloat, but it does feel great when you can say, "I did it."

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

  1. Just do it. There will never be a right time or the right amount of money.
  2. Research and start small - test drive the product in your community.
  3. Never let others people's successes ever have a negative impact on you. Cheer on your fellow entrepreneurs; there are in the same battle as you, and they are also on your team! Build each other up.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My hope is that one day I will be able to walk into my brick and mortar and say, "Look, Ma, I've made it," but remember this is a long hard journey. Whatever plans you have ready to execute, they will constantly change, and you need to be open to that. Just don't give up.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kneadleandthredd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KneadleandThredd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kneadleandthredd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-valone-63648843/

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.