Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leila Evoy, Founder of Mama Leila's Keto Treats, located in Edmonton, AB, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a bakery/minor grocer specializing in sugar-free, low carb, and gluten-free products. Our customers are Diabetics, Celiacs, and those living a low carb / ketogenic/sugar-free lifestyle. We bake a large variety of fresh, delicious baked goods such as cheesecakes, cupcakes, cream pies, berry cobblers, savory cheddar biscuits, custom cakes, and so much more.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Leila, and I am the proud owner of Mama Leila's Keto Treats. I am an immigrant from Germany, and I am married to my wonderful husband, Patrick. We're parents to an amazing 10 yr old. In 2018 I started in my home kitchen as a hobby baker. Baking was always a passion of mine, but once I started researching a ketogenic lifestyle, I switched to baking without using any sugars; instead, I use Monk fruit sweetener, a natural substitute that is safe for Diabetics. Edmonton lacked options for Diabetics and Celiacs, and I wanted to change that by providing customers with healthier options that also taste amazing. I quickly became very busy with orders. Two months in, I had to expand into a community kitchen to keep up with the high demand. Sadly, when Covid hit, the kitchen was closed down. Luckily I quickly found another kitchen to "call home." My business kept growing, and our products were now available at ten retail locations throughout Alberta. I no longer could do it on my own and required the help of my husband and family to keep making the products everyone has come to love. We outgrew the kitchen, and it was time to move into a larger kitchen with a storefront. We did so in June of 2021 and opened our store named No Sugar - No Problem. You can find us in the beautiful ICE District in downtown Edmonton.
I absolutely love what I do, the staff I work with, and the amazing customers I meet each day. I am where I am today because of the tremendous support. And for that, I am forever grateful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When customers express how grateful they are to be able to enjoy our products without the fear of getting sick due to being Celiac or their blood sugars rising due to being Diabetic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many hurdles and "oh, I didn't know that" along the way. It takes patience and a lot of hard work to build up from the ground.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never be afraid to ask for help. It takes a team to run a business.
- Be patient
- Work hard
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ketobake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamaleilasketotreats/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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