Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Stubbe, owner of Stubbe Chocolates Toronto, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Stubbe Chocolates is your local neighbourhood chocolate shop. We operate very much like a traditional German Konditorei/pastry shop. Our product range includes Truffles and bonbons, cakes and cookies, specialty items like orange peel, ginger, marzipan, and much more. We are focused on our local Toronto community but have clients all over Canada. You can only purchase our products in our shop or online. What makes us different is not only our quality and vast product line but also our customer service.
Tell us about yourself
I definitely have a different connection to chocolate than most people. My playpen was in my Dad's kitchen. Not only do I have five generations of bakers and pastry chefs on my father's side, but my mother's family also owned a pastry shop. I have literally been surrounded by chocolate all my life. So no pressure! Therefore it is very important to me to keep my chocolate life and personal life separate. I know it's sometimes hard to do as a small business owner, but it allows me to start fresh and focused every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a life I love.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I started out being a chocolatier, a specialist in my field. Now I consider myself a jack of all trades. To be a successful business owner, it is not enough to be good at one thing; you need to be good at many things.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a vision and stick to it. At least for the first couple of years. You need to give yourself time to succeed.
- Surround yourself with great people. They will push you forward when you're stuck in the mud.
- Do not lose focus on your quality of life. After all, this is why we are in business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.stubbechocolates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubbeChocolates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubbechocolates/
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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