Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Kiff, technology manager of Mary Macleod's Shortbread, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make gourmet hand-made artisan all-butter shortbread cookies. Our customers are typically women aged 30-60 who are financially well off and like to gift or indulge in an elevated experience.
Tell us about yourself
Mary is no longer with us, but she started Mary Macleod's Shortbread 41 years ago in Toronto, Ontario. She had a dream that her classic Shortbread recipe from her Scottish heritage was good enough to start a business, and all these years later, we are now across North America. We are motivated by several qualities that Mary infused into the business. To get a lot of information about that, please read this page.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Mary's biggest accomplishment was starting from a little store in downtown Toronto where it was just her and one helper to being a business selling all across North America. There are other accomplishments which are listed on the page I mentioned above.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping up with the demand. Learning how to scale up has been a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Define your core beliefs and stick to them. If you believe in your idea, then don't give up when things become difficult. Mary Macleod's Shortbread came close to closing a number of times in harder years, but we persevered. Lastly, surround yourself with the best people you can find and build an unstoppable team.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please see this page to get more details about the answers I gave here. This is a good history of our business, why we started, who Mary was etc.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://marymacleod.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMacleodsShortbread
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmshortbread/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmshortbread
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mmshortbread/
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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