Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Saial, owner of The Nut, located in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

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

In a nutshell, The Nut is a coffee shop. But, if you stay awhile, you’ll see we’re so much more. We’re your spot for local grab-and-go snacks fresh-pressed juice and proudly serve JJ Bean coffee. We source crave-worthy clean eats and make wellness way more approachable. We’re a micro grocer celebrating small businesses by stocking goods from local and Canadian brands. We’re a hub built for gathering and an incubator of community.

So you see, you can try to put us in a box, but we won’t fit in it. Stay long enough, and we’ll make a Nut out of you.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the corporate world for 15 years. Climbing to reach my dreams and improve workplaces through my position as Corporate Affairs Officer. I had always planned to retire early and do something I loved, close to my heart and not for the money. When COVID hit, I quickly realized why not now? Life was worth living, and there's no reason to wait. We sold our home; I gave notice at my firm and bought a home across the country on FaceTime. I have never been happier.

The decision to open The Nut came from a void in myself and the community we moved to. My husband encouraged me to go after my dreams and create what I felt was missing. I'm so grateful I did.

Two things drive me every day, maintaining a balance in my lifestyle and seeing the community thrive alongside us. Having time to do the things I love, spend time with my family and be present are gifts. One I won't take for granted again. Seeing the local makers we work with succeed and grow is a privilege. I get to be a small part of their success and build their dreams.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a better woman, mother, wife, and friend. Improving the community I live in, Creating a community of like-minded people.

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

The ups and downs. So much is out of your control and affects the very thing you work so hard to create. It is defeating and empowering at the same time.

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

  1. Build a strong support network of people who will champion you and believe in you when you don't believe in yourself.
  2. Let go of how you think it will be, rather listen and tune in to your customers and take their lead from them.
  3. Ask and receive help freely.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am so grateful to be on this journey and share it with others. I feel honoured to have been asked to share my experience and hope it gives someone what they need to follow their dreams.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thenut.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenut.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenut.ca/

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.