Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Debra Poulin, executive chef, and owner of Twisted Fork, located in St. Paul, AB, Canada.

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

We are a family artisan-owned and operated restaurant in St. Paul. We create seasonal menus that are made from scratch. In turn, this allows us to support our local farmers, producers, artists, and businesses in the Lakeland area. We also make small-batch high-quality preserves and crackers that promote traditional preserving practices and family-handed-down recipes. Twisted Fork enjoys using local, indigenous food grown in Alberta and across Canada. We make great desserts, do catering, special events and take on new challenges. We love promoting our community and doing cross-promotions.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Red Seal Chef and have been cooking for over 25 years. My love of cooking has been inspired by both my grandmothers, with traditions and family recipes have been passed down. After long conversations with my husband, who is my biggest supporter, we decided to buy one of the older buildings here in St Paul, totally renovate it and create Twisted Fork. Our restaurant is a key part of our community, not just as a business but as one that supports other local ones. When we get to create new dishes, sauces, and preserves and know that those dishes make people happy, that motivates us to be there every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The rapid growth of the business. We are finding that people want to know where their food is coming from, and supporting locals seems to be where it is at. We do get a lot of visitors, and we are becoming a household name in our region for local food. We are willing to think "outside the box" to create new items and events to support and promote our diverse community. We sell local art, pottery, and all our preserves which have all increased over the last couple of years. We are heavily involved with our community and are growing as a food destination here in the Lakeland area. We are members of Alberta on a Plate and other food organizations. All of these factors, in our eyes, are huge accomplishments.

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

As a business owner, you are accountable for everything that's happening to your company. Whether they are good or bad, the decisions you make directly impact the company, what you are doing, and the people who work with you.

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

  1. Plan - have a business and financial plan. Work with experts to help you out. These plans will make sure that you are on the right path, and they become working documents.
  2. Ask for help - you are not in it alone. Don't be afraid to ask for support and help. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help if you ask.
  3. Relax - as an owner, you are working long hours running your business - you need time for yourself and your family. They are going to be there for you through it all, and spend time with them. They love you, and you love them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

No matter what business you are in, life presents challenges and curveballs, and we have seen it with COVID. We are able to think "outside the box" to find new ways to support your company. You have not only you and the business to think about, but you have your employees and the community you are a part of. By doing this, you will find that customers will support you, and you all get to enjoy it together.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.twistedforksp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedforksp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedforksp/

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.