Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Steven Hewson, co-owner of La Creme de la Creme Creamery Inc. from Ontario, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
La Creme de la Creme isn't just the name of our business; it's also a promise. A promise to deliver the best of the best. The best Belgian Chocolate-dipped ice cream. The best in-house created Artisan Chocolates. Most important, the very best customer experience. We recognize the significance of a customer choosing us over anyone else and the impact on small business owners' lives. We truly appreciate this.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
My wife, Marie-Helene, and I spent many years grinding out a decent living while raising two daughters. As the years passed, we looked at each other and asked ourselves what we were doing and why we lived like this? If we are going to work our butts off and sacrifice our prime years, why don't we do it ourselves? Who says life needs to be how someone else says it needs to be? Why can't we travel more? Why can't we choose how our week looks like?
Once we realized that we were the only ones preventing ourselves from achieving these things, the answer was quite simple. We both quit our careers and took a leap of faith on a business model that allows us to work hard, play hard and have the time during the off-season to travel more. La Creme de la Creme Creamery Inc was launched.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as a business owner has nothing to do with the "results" but more to do with what we have done with those results. The community has supported us in a way we only could have imagined, and this has given us a life that we are very grateful for. It only made sense to us to give back in return through our involvement with fundraising for various lgbtqia2s+organizations and our local Food Bank. We also volunteer; so many have recognized us as a company that truly supports its community. That recognition is the most significant accomplishment we have achieved.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is remembering that when issues arise, and they do, that you stay true to your core principles. Our amazing team and customers expect of us. Anyone can work hard, drive results, maintain brand standards, etc. Staying true to our core principles during challenging times is something that we strive to achieve every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build your outside professional team. All of this is so much more difficult if you do not have the proper professionals in place to guide you. Lawyer, Accountant, Real Estate Agent, etc. having these people in place that are a fit for you can save you a lot of heartaches, as long as you are willing to listen to them
- Know your employees and truly make sure they can trust you. Lead by example....every possible chance available
- Go for it. You can trip and fall and still have time to dust yourself off and win.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Enjoy every minute. You could still be reporting to someone else.
Where can people find you?
Locations: Burlington, ON / Hamilton, ON
Website: https://www.lacremedelacremecreamery.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacremedelacremecreameryinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cremedelacremeburlington
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lacreme_inc
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.