Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gary Harte, owner of The Bandit Baker, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

My business is The Bandit Baker, an independent bakery in East Van that offers a twist on Irish baked goods. We serve Irish expats living in Vancouver a taste of home. As much as we love avocado on toast, it's hard to beat a fry-up with a cuppa!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Gary Harte, and I'm from South Armagh in the North of Ireland. My fiance and I came to Vancouver 5 years ago, and now it feels like home - home number 2, that is.

I came up with the idea for the Bandit Baker around two years ago. I have a culinary background, but my true passion is baking. When living away from home, you really start to miss the wee things, like Tayto crisps, a bottle of Lucozade, and especially the bread and baked goods.

Knowing how big the Irish community is in Vancouver, I knew there would be a market for Irish bread, so that's when I started to bake for my friends and got great feedback. That's how the Bandit was born. Being from South Armagh, which is nicknamed 'Bandit Country,' it was only fitting that I named my business the Bandit Baker.

It's definitely been a learning curve, but what keeps me motivated is being able to do something that I enjoy every minute of. I also feel very privileged to be able to bring a small taste of Irish culture to Vancouver and give back to the Irish community here.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was part of the Celtic festival, which happened this year, and was overwhelmed by the kind words and feedback from new and previous customers. Also, selling out in 2 hours felt amazing. 😉

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

Definitely, the hardest thing is learning how to grow a business. There's never a day that you don't learn something new. You also realize how valuable it is to make mistakes so that you can learn from them. You have to fail early (and often) if you want to keep growing as an entrepreneur and create a successful business.

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

  1. Don't doubt yourself, just go for it.
  2. Make sure it's something that you love to do and that there is a market for it. Find your niche!
  3. Success doesn't happen overnight. It's a long road with a lot of bumps but stick with it, and you'll get there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'll be adding a few new items to the menu very soon and a delivery option too. I'd just like to thank all the Irish community in the city of Vancouver for their support and words of encouragement. This definitely wouldn't be a thing with you, lads!

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBanditBaker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebanditbaker/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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