In Heart of Toronto Beaches

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Soheila Rahemtulla, owner of Zane Patisserie & Boulangerie, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

We are a French Bakery. We Bake every morning fresh, and we are proud to say that everything is made in-house from scratch. Our aim is to provide high-quality products to our customers. For us, it’s very important to sell whatever we would like to receive or eat. We do our best to work daily on things that we can improve.

Tell us about yourself

I was born & raised in France; I actually came from a completely different background. I studied banking and accounting. I got married and moved to Switzerland, where I worked as an accountant. During my pregnancy, a few years later, I realized that I wanted to do something that makes me proud every day, something special to serve the community. I took a course to become a cake designer. When my son came to the world, I was very concerned about the food on his plate. So, I started making my own sugar-free or sugarless cookies, yogurts, cakes, and desserts.

Mom of two boys now (8 & 6yrs old), my journey started, and we moved to Canada 4 yrs ago. I was working in a healthcare company, and I was also making my cakes in my free time. When I saw the opportunity to have my own bakery, I didn’t think much and jumped on it. I was very excited to see my dream come true. I really wanted to serve the community with the best quality. It is very important to give to others whatever I have for my kids or myself. I knew that it would be hard to manage everything. Still, I was confident enough and trusted my inner self and mostly got support from my husband, who was and still is here with me in all my happiness and struggles.

I have a vision on a long-term basis; when I decide to achieve something, I do whatever it takes but do it. My daily affirmation and meditation help me stay on my path. I am enjoying each day of the journey as much as the destination. When you discover the real purpose of your efforts, you will find a new sense of commitment and leadership that allows you to inspire others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We are growing step by step, but my biggest accomplishment is the baking classes I run on Saturdays. It makes me feel so proud when I see little faces making their own product only with simple ingredients.

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

The hardest part was the uncountable hours you put in to make it happen. You need to work hard; I was literally working 20 hours per day for 1.5 years.

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

If you want to make a difference in the world, go for what you are passionate about.
Personal growth and accomplishment: Always stay hungry to learn more, to have a thirst for knowledge that can help you in your own personal growth.
Satisfaction with doing something great. It’s a quote of Steve Jobs “ Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

I am every day grateful for all the struggles that made me strong, for where I was, and what I achieved. Life is very precious; if you’re willing to enjoy it, just love it. “What you think, you create. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you become.” That’s the law of attraction: when you truly want something and go after it without limiting yourself with disbelief, The universe will make it happen.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

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.