Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Urlando, owner of Little Rose Cookie Co., located in Mississauga, Canada.

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

My business is Little Rose Cookie Co.! We specialize in custom sugar cookies, but now have expanded to gourmet stuffed cookies, classic cookie packs, gift boxes and trays, and edible activities for kids! Since we are a company founded on the love for family and friends, our customers are generally people who want to make their gatherings with loved ones all the more special with custom sugar cookies or cookie gift boxes and gift trays!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Stephanie Urlando, I'm a 31 year old mompreneur with a love for sweet treats! I started this business as a single mama who wanted to provide for her daughters by working from home. I started making sugar cookies for family events and when I would post the pictures online, people would ask if they could order my cookies and it snowballed from there. I worked tirelessly day and night with a toddler and a baby but I was incredibly driven to make my dream a reality. I did it from home at first, but when I realized working from home was not sustainable (cookies were taking over my home, and I needed a team!), I knew I needed a shop/bakery. Against all odds and with the help of family and friends, we did it on March 7th, 2020! Just ten days after our grand opening, COVID closed the world down and it was scary, but I remained resilient and we made it through with the support of my community. I am dedicated to always giving back to my community by donating to causes I care about like Native Child Toronto and One Tree Planted, and getting involved and planning fun events for the community. My family, my children, my team and my community keep me motivated to continue to build the success of this little cookie business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to provide for my two daughters as a single mother through something I built myself. It makes me feel incredibly grateful and proud.

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

It's a big responsibility; making sure my staff have enough work, making sure everything is running smoothly, having to problem solve when I sometimes don't even know where to begin. But it's grown me as a person greatly and I love the challenge of it.

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

1. JUST START! Even if you don't feel ready. Just get the ball rolling and then take the next step in the direction of what you want.

2. Hold the vision of your business dream and gain traction with it by doing what I said above; just take one step at a time with excitement towards your dream.

3. Surround yourself with successful people and voices; listen to podcasts, make new friends in person and online, build your network and don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am very big on following your dreams with excitement and building your dream life. I listen to a lot of self-development podcasts and videos, and I think this was what gave me the courage and positivity and resilience needed to overcome my odds and make my cookie business dreams happen! I love helping to inspire others to achieve their dreams, too.

Where can people find you and your business?

https://littlerosecookieco.com

https://www.instagram.com/littlerosecookieco/

https://twitter.com/lilrosecookieco

https://www.facebook.com/littlerosecookieco/

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.