Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jujhar Mann, owner of Mann & Co Bakeshop, located in Surrey, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mann & Co is a liked-based luxury dessert shop in Surrey, BC. We specialize in custom cakes, wedding cakes, and dessert bars for every occasion. Our sweet treats are made with fresh and the finest ingredients. Our menu features a variety of classic cakes and desserts and some Indian fusion options!
Tell us about yourself
Being a South-Asian male growing up, I’ve never seen anyone like me in the baking industry. Since grade 4, I have found baking very fascinating and have wanted to become a pastry chef since then. I knew it was almost close to impossible as in my culture. It is assumed that men don’t bake and need to have a “real” job. When I was 18, I started an Instagram page for fun as a hobby. A year later, people started showing interest, and my hobby became a small business. During this time, I was a full-time student completing my business degree. When I was in my last year of school in 2021, I was able to attend full-time Pastry school in Las Vegas as my university was online. In April 2021, I decided to pursue baking full-time, and we are planning to open our storefront location in May 2022!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is attending Food Network Canada’s Great Chocolate showdown in 2021 while attending school full time! My journey on the show was great, and even though I didn’t win, I was a part of 7/8 episodes.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business lender is just managing everything. Everyone starts from somewhere, and I have been lucky to have so much support. There’s so much going on, and being organized is crucial, which I wasn’t in the first two years of my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Honestly, just do it! You never know what can happen by doing what you love. I never imagined 3.5 years ago when I started what this could turn into, and I’m super proud of my journey so far. Running a business can be stressful, but everything always falls in place!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mannandcobakeshop.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannandcobakeshop/
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.
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