Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Clarkson, owner of The Bragg Creek Cafe & Baking Co., located in AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-owned and operated cafe and bakery that offers scratch-made baking, coffee, espresso, and comfort food. We serve the local community of Bragg Creek and area as well as many outdoor enthusiasts that frequent the local trails and backcountry areas.
Tell us about yourself
I am a full-time bachelor of commerce student at the University of Calgary, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I started working in one of my dad's small businesses over a decade ago. As a family, my parents, sister, and I took on developing this cafe in Bragg Creek with all the passion that we share. I am driven not only as a business owner but a student to build a cafe and bakery that serves not only the locals but the community of outdoor/adventure passionate individuals who travel to this area.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a business owner is one thing. Being a full-time university student is another. Working seven days a week while completing my bachelor's degree during the COVID 19 pandemic was a whole other challenge that I never imagined nor thought I would ever be able to tackle. Now that I am in my fourth year of classes and nearing the completion of my degree, I can say that working through my classes while running the business has been a challenge, an adventure, and a massive learning experience where I have been able to apply myself.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying motivated when the world keeps throwing challenges and hurdles at you can be one of the most challenging things as a business owner. The pandemic has certainly been an eye-opener to not only how many challenges a business can be faced with, whether it is a supply chain, staffing, or regulation-based issue. Another challenge that most don't realize with being a business owner in the industry in which you operate can pose various different challenges. Take, for instance, I operate in the foodservice industry, which can be one of the most demanding and customer-oriented industries out there. There is a large amount of people-pleasing, and even with all the effort you put into your product or service, you simply can't make everyone happy, and that is okay. Being a business owner means you are constantly on your toes, showing up for the fight to show your customers the same loyalty that they provide you, and always evolving or pivoting with new and exciting ideas.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't jump in the water yet. The world is in a constant state of change. With the pandemic, we are experiencing larger and more changes, challenges, and battles than we have before. Who knows what the "new normal" look like? You need to be ready for anything that comes your way.
- Be unique. If you can't be unique, creative, or show people that you have a superpower, then you aren't ready to be a business owner. Why would you start/grow a business to be just like everyone else?
- Passion. If you aren't in love with your idea or you don't think your idea will have a great impact on either others or the world, then you need to pivot or start all over. Your business needs to be something you are not only willing to do but are excited to wake up for each day. Your business is going to serve a purpose, and your purpose is to bring that business to life. It needs to show your passion in all elements of it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://braggcreekcafe.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braggcreekcafe/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-clarkson-0958b4118/
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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