Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colin Urquhart, founder of TBB Desserts, located in Calgary, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a specialty bakery that started from a passion for really, really good cheesecake. Calgary doesn't have a lot of options when it comes to this specific dessert, so we wanted to really do it justice. We made sure that flavour is the focus, we never release a flavour if it's just okay - if it doesn't make me go "Mmmmmmmmm." why should it hit the menu, right? Our customers are passionate about supporting local, and passionate about delicious treats too, of course!
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I started this business as a way to make extra money while searching for work during the beginning of the pandemic. Quickly, we realized, this is taking over our house and home, and we need a professional space to work in! Since establishing a commercial kitchen space, we remain motivated by the support from our customers and fans. We're not a boring traditional bakery. In fact, we have no formal training - we're really just all about deliciousness.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the day we signed the lease on our 4th Street location, I thought, this is it. We're completely legit now. With two locations and one being in the heart of the city, it was a big moment for the business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Looking at the grocery spend! Ooooooh I did not think in a single year I would spend that kind of money on cream cheese alone, let alone the rest of our supplies.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Understanding social media is key for a modern small business. You don't have to know every platform, but know what your customer likes to use and be really good with that platform!
Know your costs - it's all fine when you're the one making everything, but adding team members and things like a storage unit, increases your costs in weird ways you might miss.
Lastly, spend time taking care of yourself, the business isn't your business without you!
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/tbbdesserts
https://www.facebook.com/tbbdesserts
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.