Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grace Gauthier, founder of The Court Bakery, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

The Court Bakery is a home-based bakery that sells high-quality, delicious baked goods. Everything we sell is completely homemade with love. We specialize in custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies that can be customized for any occasion! The Court Bakery has a very diverse set of customers. Baked goods can be used for all celebrations and for all kinds of people.

Tell us about yourself

Ever since my childhood, I have always loved baking. Giving away baked goods became the main way I showed my love and appreciation towards people. The more I practiced and experimented, the more I fell in love with it. For a long time, I contemplated whether I wanted to open my own business at such a young age. I decided that there is no time like the present, so I decided to turn my biggest passion into a part-time career. The outcome has been no short of outstanding, and all of my customers have been extremely supportive. It brings me so much joy knowing that I play such a large role in so many household celebrations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a small business, it can be extremely hard to get your name out into the public eye. That is one of the biggest reasons people don't take a leap of faith and start a business. They are afraid that people won't want to buy their product. I am extremely proud of how The Court Bakery has been able to reach out to dozens of customers.

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

As an entrepreneur, it can be very hard for people to understand your point of view and vice versa. You want to make every customer happy, but sometimes you have to put your brand's name on the line in order to do so. The hardest part of being a small business owner is setting boundaries that make your customers happy but making sure your business remains in the direction you intend for it to go.

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

  1. The first piece of advice I would give to someone who is considering starting a business is to make a detailed plan. There is a lot of work that goes into starting something from scratch by yourself. It can be very easy to forget pieces or change directions during the long and complicated process. It is important to have an end goal in mind and the steps needed to take to get there.
  2. Secondly, remember this is your business. As much as taking advice and critiques from others is important during the process, remember the business is under your name. When it comes down to it, the brand needs to be something you are proud of and happy to support. Don't let the opinions of others alter what you want your business to be.
  3. Lastly, when it comes to growing your business, you need to continue to put in a lot of work. Although starting up a business is usually the most complicated part, in order to grow, one must continuously put in the effort. That being said, remember it is important to keep in mind that the brand may need to adapt depending on trends, and that's okay. This will result in a business that grows and reaches new heights.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To anyone who is considering starting a new business, just do it. We are all scared at the beginning, "waiting for the perfect time." There is no perfect time. If you really want to make it happen, now is the time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/the-court-bakery/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_court_bakery/

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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