Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Gattis, owner of Bakehaus, located in Belmont, MA, USA.

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

I own and operate a small bakery and cafe that offers a diverse menu with a German spin. Bakehaus is a place where somebody can come to order breakfast, lunch, or find catering for their next office party. We have both indoor and outdoor dining where we host events throughout the year, such as our own Oktoberfest, girl scout fundraisers, and live music concerts. We are located in Belmont, MA, and love supporting our local community.

Tell us about yourself

Baking has always been a passion of mine; I think I was just seven years old when I started baking. This passion grew and ultimately inspired me to open my own bakery where I could share my love of food with others. Since I grew up in Germany, many of my favorite things to make have ties to German cuisine. Sharing these creations with others and seeing the joy it brings them is what motivates me to keep doing what I am doing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It seems like there is never a good or easy time to start a business; however, starting a successful one in the middle of the pandemic is an accomplishment I am quite proud of. This would not have been possible without the support of the local community and businesses.

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

Owning a business like Bakehaus is difficult, and I treat it almost as my own baby. It requires attention pretty much around the clock to make sure everything runs smoothly and remains a community centerpiece that both customers and staff enjoy being at. I have definitely put plenty of my own blood, sweat, and tears into this business but love what I do and who I do it for.

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

  1. Have a plan. You should have a strong and clear plan on what you want to accomplish with your business and how to do that. This requires a lot of research, experience, and passion for what you do. The friends that are in your industry are and will continue to be a huge asset to helping you make and ultimately execute this plan.
  2. Diversify. Variety is one of the most difficult parts of the food industry but so important to growing and keeping a solid customer base. Just as people love coming to the cafe to get their favorite menu items, people love to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.
  3. Be Flexible. There will always be the unexpected, sometimes good and sometimes bad. As cliche as it is, being able to roll with the punches, is a huge asset for any business owner, especially a new one.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bakehausbyclc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bakehausbyclc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakehausbyclc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakehaus-bakery/

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.