Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Carr & Sergio Pereira, the co-founders of 2 Guys with Knives, a local meal prep company, in Vancouver, BC. Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

We are a local meal prep company dedicated to supporting individuals in the lower mainland with ready to eat meals that are gluten free, customizable and designed around the highest fitness and nutrition guidelines. On a specific dietary modality? That's our specialty! Whether it be keto, paleo, vegan, low Fodmap, etc. we've got you covered.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

Patrick - fitness was my world from a very young age. Growing up as a competitive athlete, sport took me adventure chasing through amazing parts of the world. It was after one of these extended periods overseas that I began to suffer personal health issues which lead me on a journey into the world of nutrition and healing. This set the stage for what was to become my career. I began working professionally as a personal trainer with a large focus on nutrition coaching and linking fitness progress and performance with individualized meal planning. During this time I met Sergio. Sergio was a culinary professional from Brazil who was permanently living in Canada and thriving in his field. Our friends and my clients began to joke in jest that we should just start cooking and meal planning for them already! And that's how we began - we designed dishes together that combined both flavour and science to ensure each person would enjoy every bite of eating healthy. Fast forward 9 years later and we are now the largest meal prep company in the Lower Mainland. Every day is a chance to help someone on their path of wellness. Whether it's for performance, healing or enjoyment, each scenario provides a unique opportunity to change someone's life through what fuels us all...food! Since day 1 we focused on creating a community environment with a foundation built on support. Our clients are like our family and we are here to help, inspire and assist in any way we can.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

The ability to cater to a wide variety of dietary conditions. This allows us to support each and every individual with the foods that are right for them. No one should ever feel like they are an inconvenience due to dietary restrictions or allergies and we are proud to have an inclusive environment where that stigma does not exist.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

Staffing. Searching for diamonds is not an easy task but when you find them, they outshine everything else. We love our team!

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

1: Be optimistic - there will be ups, downs and struggles but enjoy each of those speed bumps because it is what crafts your story.

2: Find mentors that you respect and learn from their experiences as well as your own.

3: Focus on what makes you unique - there will be many competitors in your field which is good and healthy but what will set you apart is your story, your why and what makes your product or service so special.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Loving what you do is the greatest gift. It creates a space of uncapped potential that is only limited by your creativity and willingness to take risks. Believe in your potential, your worth and your passion. That is what will drive you to success.

Where can people find you online?

https://2guyswithknives.com/
https://www.instagram.com/2guyswithknives/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/2guyswithknives/
https://twitter.com/2guyswithknives?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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.