Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Nguyen, co-founder of BAK'D Cookies, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Founded in April 2020 during the pandemic, BAK'D is a brother and a sister-owned company that makes 5 oz. gourmet cookies. BAK'D cookies are not like your typical cookies. They are BIG cookies that weigh just under a hockey puck, made locally, with high-quality ingredients. Each cookie is freshly baked and handmade to guarantee that each bite is the perfect bite, every time. We offer a wide variety of gourmet cookie flavours as well as our take on everyone's favorite classic cookie flavours! Our customers are the best people! They are people who love delicious cookies and want to support a young baker and his ambitious goal of owning his own cookie shop.
Tell us about yourself
One day, during the pandemic when Jess was extremely sad, 17-year-old Andy set out on a mission to formulate the ultimate cookie that would change the game in their test (aka townhouse) kitchen and have Jessica be the ultimate cookie judge (I mean - who wouldn't feel better after eating several cookies?!).
After countless hours, tears from laughter, eggs, sugar, flour, and interesting cookies, they were successful in perfecting what customers are calling "the best cookies in Vancouver."
What motivates us is each other. We are both extremely hard working and are able to live out our dreams through this business: Andy has always been passionate about food sciences, and baking and Jess has always thrived in developing business strategies.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is receiving the amount of support we do from our local community. Whether it be sharing about us on social media, spreading the cookie love to friends and family, or showing up in awful weather to the farmers market, we are so grateful to have built a baked family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not knowing what to do! When you work a corporate job, you have higher-ups that are easily accessible to ask for help or support when you need it. It's a little tough when you are an entrepreneur as there aren't as many resources that are within your hand's reach. In addition, as we are both on the younger side (19 and 24 years old), we don't have as much experience as others may have, so figuring out what to do next has been hard.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you are passionate about.
- Know that it is not easy, and you will have to work incredibly hard to make your dreams come true.
- Just start - it does not have to be perfect, and you will never feel 100% ready, but doing it is better than not doing it at all.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bakdcookies.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakdcookies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakdcookies/
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.