Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Audrey Enixon, owner of Road 9 - Audrey’s Breads, located in Oliver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Road 9 - Audrey's Breads is a small bakehouse located in Okanagan Valley, Oliver, B.C. I'm the creator and head baker, but it's definitely a family-run business. My husband and kids are super involved. We are specialized in artisan sourdough bread and authentic French bakery products. All sourdough products are made from scratch and baked on stone in an electric brick oven.
Tell us about yourself
Born and raised in France in a family of craftsmen, fishers, and bakers. My husband and I moved to BC in 2016. While I was pregnant with my second child and taking care of my first son, I was looking for a solution to provide quality breads with health benefits for my family. My passion for microorganisms and bacteria led me to the art of making sourdough breads. Then, I created my levain, and after the birth of my daughter, I began to supply my family and friends with sourdough breads and French baguettes.
In February 2017, Audrey's Breads was established and started selling in the local farmer market. My mission is to provide high-quality, accessible slow-fermented sourdough breads and French bakery products in a small batch for my community. Old family recipes inspire my products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Built a strong community that supports what I believe is the best for us. Back to Basics: Let’s cut down on portions and buy better. When the product is of quality, the nutritional intake is sufficient. Sourdough bread from the grain to the table. Also, we are awarded as the Best Bakery in South Okanagan 2020 & 2021. It’s such an honour and a mark of respect from our community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The language barrier. Coming from France, the culture and functioning in Canada are different. Starting a business here is not the same as starting a business in France in terms of regulations or financial aid.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love what you are doing (At this point, for me, it's more a passion and a lifestyle choice)
- Believe in yourself, but also be able to question yourself.
- Aim for high quality. That's what will make the difference.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don’t be scared to ask for help. Support your local businesses. If you’re a business owner, try to use locally sourced products in addition to what you are doing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://road9-audreysbreads.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3gz4X0s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/road9audreysbreads/
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.