Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simon Durand, owner of Smart N Local, located in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Smart N Local is a local food processing company established in July 2020. The products we choose to make are preservatives-free and are made with only the simplest and natural ingredients. Our customers come to us because they don’t have to compromise quality, taste, and price!

Tell us about yourself

I have been working as a chef in the restaurant industry for over 15years. We all lost our jobs during the pandemic, and the world was going through a lot. The grocery stores were being emptied out; I decided to start a food business to be able to provide some to stay-at-home families. Now we are even selling in retail stores, and we are able to reach more people. Our relationship with food is very important, and it has to be kept natural.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a small company in the development, it is important to celebrate every small victory. Those small victories are the ones that keep you going. I have no big accomplishment per se, but I’m grateful for those little wins and that I’m still here.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing, I would say, would be managing business and personal time. There is always something to do, and it’s important to know when to let go and spend quality time with your close ones.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Know your products (shape, size, price, margin.)
  2. This will be the hardest you have ever worked.
  3. Surround yourself with help.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://smartnlocal.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartnlocal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smart_n_local/

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.