Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aria Palcich, owner, and operator of The Haven Low-Carb Cafe, located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the first Toronto cafe focused on sugar-free and low-carb options! Combining our love for REALLY good coffee and healthy treats, this is the place you can have your cake and eat it too. Featuring coffee from local roasters, and gourmet treats from local bakeries that won't leave you with a sugar crash. Along with coffee and treats we have a local market where you can shop sugar-free pantries and more - and also indoor seating where you can enjoy a view of the lake on a good day.
Tell us about yourself
Having studied nutrition, eating healthy has always been a priority. I also LOVE going out for coffee and feel lucky to live in a city like Toronto where we have so many great people serving coffee. The only downside was there was never anything to eat along with my coffee unless I wanted a croissant (and don't get me wrong I love croissants) but they're not part of my weekly habits. Creating a place that is beautiful, prioritizes quality coffee, as well as healthy treats, was something we felt this city needed, and thus the Haven was born. We live to serve our amazing community and continue to bring in new and delicious local products along with quality coffee.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say my biggest accomplishment has been starting and seeing the growth of our sandwich menu, or sammy menu, as we call it. I always envisioned being able to go out and grab a healthy breakfast sandwich (that tastes just as good as McDonald's) and being able to create this and see our sandwiches catch on and become loved and looked forward to by many has been amazing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is really the uncontrollable ups and downs - and by this, I mean how some weeks are just not going to be what you thought they were. Being able to not attach to the bad weeks and just keep moving forward is one of the biggest challenges but also the most rewarding parts of running your own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you really want to start a business, here are my top three tips:
1) The first tip I would give is to put yourself at a point of no return. This means signing the lease, putting the down payments, or promoting your service officially, something that you can't turn back from and forces you to commit.
2) The second tip is to not overthink everything. In the beginning, is it just a lot of trial and error, and you can know what will work best until you just start DOING!
3) LISTEN to and appreciate your customers. In the beginning, we asked every customer for their feedback on everything - and we are still doing that today. Understanding what your customers want and love and really appreciating them for deciding to spend their money with you will go a long way.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Cheers to all the other entrepreneurs out there! Let's all continue to support local! We can influence our communities just by spending our money locally - this is a powerful thing!
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.thehavenlowcarbcafe.ca
https://www.instagram.com/thehavenlowcarbcafe/
https://www.facebook.com/thehavenlowcarbcafe
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.