Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Banks, founder of Midnight Cookie, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is late-night cookies. We are a late-night bakery that specializes in made-to-order cookies. We are open till 2:00 on the weekdays, and 3:00 am on the weekend. Our cookies are served warm and always delicious. Our customers are those looking for a late-night treat. Our cookies are always made with the highest quality, no matter the time.
Tell us about yourself
Our business was born during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown in Toronto. My boyfriend and I were up late with not much to do. We would often bake cookies as a form of distraction at night (not much else was open). That's when we had the idea to open Midnight Cookie. If we were awake baking, we were surely other people might enjoy a cookie as well.
This turned out to be very true! In just five months, we quickly grew from a home business to work in our first commercial kitchen. The validation from our customers to keep going is what keeps us motivated to keep going. We truly believe in our idea and feel Toronto was missing the perfect late-night cookie.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is the consistency we have been able to maintain in our product. As we have grown, so has the demand for our cookies. Since all of our cookies are made to order, it can be difficult to continue to bake everything fresh to order. This hasn't changed regardless of how busy we have been in one night. Each day is a new challenge, and we are learning how to become better each day!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner has been the balance between our personal and professional life. We truly give our business everything we have. It can be difficult at times, but it is worth it each time we get a positive review or praise. We are motivated to keep going and can't wait to share all of our future plans.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make a business plan - you can have an amazing idea that you think everyone will love, but this can get lost if you don't have a strong business plan behind it. Always plan ahead
- Pick something you love! - Running a business is not easy and may require more work than you even believe. It is important that you do something that motivates you every day. This way, you will always love what you're working on.
- Have Fun - I think this goes with our second point. If you're not having fun if you feel unhappy. Adapt and change your plan. Always take care of yourself first as a successful business requires you to be your best :)
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes! We have a promo code we would love for you to share. The code "FIRSTORDER" will give you 10% off your first order on our website.
Thank you for the support; we appreciate everyone who wants to learn more about Midnight Cookie and us.
Also, we want to personally thank everyone who leaves us (and other small businesses a review). This is how new people find us, and it is so important for small businesses like ours. We read each one!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.midnightcookie.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnightcookie.to/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcookie.to/
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.