Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rosalind Chan, owner of Sugartiers Inc., located in Richmond Hill, ON, Canada.

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

We are a quaint little small takeout bakery specializing in customized celebration cakes, French macarons, and cupcakes. All of our products are made from scratch from fresh ingredients and assembled on site. We also offer croissants, pastries, and some local Malaysian goodies on weekends. We also do takeout mini high tea sets that you can enjoy on our patio during the summer months if you wish.

Tell us about yourself

Originally, I was from the corporate world, and baking and cake decorating were passions and hobbies. Approximately 15 years ago, I decided to give up on my corporate career, focus on my love, and pursue a Master's in French Pastries in Paris, France. I also won a lot of accolades and awards in the cake decorating industry. I achieved the title of Certified Master Sugar Artist from the International Cake Exploration Society (USA). Going to work each day doesn't need any motivation if your job is your hobby and passion. It is like playing golf every day to an ardent golfer because you love what you do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is gaining my customers' trust in what you do and being able to wow them with each order that I create for them.

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

The hardest things that come with being a business owner are staff problems which I did when I first opened my business in a plaza and overheads. Since I moved to a smaller place of my own with lesser overheads and no staff, I can offer better service to my customers and higher quality control on my products.

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

  1. Know the skills yourself in the business you are opening.
  2. Marketing and advertising your business in the most efficient way.
  3. Be prepared for long hours, a lot of hard work, and ensure you have enough capital.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having your own business and being your own boss does sound very tempting to most people. You definitely have to ensure that you have enough capital, patience, effort, and knowledge in whatever you intend to do, as the first year is always hard to make ends meet.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sugartiers.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugartiersbakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugartiers/

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.