More Than Just a Cheese Shoppe - Lakeview Cheese Galore
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gurth Pretty, founder of Lakeview Cheese Galore, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lakeview Cheese Galore is a cheese lover's paradise! We offer a great assortment of Canadian artisanal and classic European cheese. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in choosing the cheese for your recipe, for your cheese board, and for your special occasion.
Can't make it to our Mississauga location, visit our online cheese shop. Our live and virtual tasting experiences for private groups are a fun way to discover more about cheese, your taste buds, and your friends, colleagues, and clients.
Tell us about yourself
I am a big mouse! My parents and grandparents introduced me to both Quebec and European cheese as a child in Montreal. Sharing my love and knowledge regarding cheese was my reason for writing The Definitive Guide to Canadian Artisanal & Fine Cheese (Whitecap 2006) and co-authoring The Definitive Canadian Wine & Cheese Cookbook (Whitecap 2007).
Just prior to the pandemic, I began leading tasting experiences to Mississauga foodies. Throughout the pandemic, the tasting experiences continued on a monthly basis, switching to a virtual format. Participants would ask where they purchased the cheese they experienced. Upon hearing this for 18 months of the pandemic, I realized there was a need to fill. Mississauga residents needed a specialty cheese shop. Seeing their facial expression as they sample the cheese is what motivates me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening Lakeview Cheese Galore, my Mississauga brick, and mortar location, in 10 weeks from obtaining the keys to the commercial unit.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The amount of administrative paperwork is mind-blowing. Stay on top of it or hire an office administrator.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Market research, location, and customer service are the three most important keys to success.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Create your business plan as your guide. Refer to it frequently and update it. Be passionate about what you do. Your work will become play and so much more enjoyable.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lakeviewcheesegalore.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeviewCheeseGalore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeview_cheese_galore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LakeviewChees
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurthpretty/
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.