Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Soulis, president, and CEO of The Little Mushroom Cluster, located in Cambridge, ON, Canada.

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

Little Mushroom is the leader in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable food service in Southwestern Ontario. From event catering to kitchen management, we help make delicious memories by serving from-scratch foods made with locally grown ingredients.

Tell us about yourself

I love making people happy with food. I worked in restaurants since I was a teen, and even after going to a teacher's college in Ottawa, I still ended up back in the world of food. When my last restaurant job came to an end when a lease came due, I knew it was time to start my own business that would turn the industry on its head. The way we run our business is with a firm understanding of sustainability and a goal to achieve a triple bottom line - a balance between people, the planet, and prosperity.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

2019 was a banner year for us. Not only did we start building a new 7200sq foot kitchen facility, but we took home the Ontario Food Award for Best Catering Company in the province and excellence awards from two different Chamber of Commerce for best small business under 50 employees.

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

Taking time away from the business to unplug. Having to make tough decisions when things like a global pandemic shut down your industry for months at a time.

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

  1. I believe it's the Ontario Gaming Corporation who uses the phrase "know your limit and play within it." Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses goes a long way in starting and running a successful business.
  2. Let your values be your guide. What is important to you in life should be important to you in business. If you value family time, make sure you allow that for yourself and for any staff you bring on.
  3. Lift others up. Whether it is your suppliers, your competitors, your staff, or your clients, share their stories, give them thanks, or a like/mention on socials. Build a network around you of those you trust and whose values align with your own.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://littlemushroomcatering.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cateringfungi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cateringfungi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-soulis-78760224/

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.