Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cheryl Doherty, owner of Edible Matters Food Company Ltd., located in Hammonds Plains, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Edible Matters is a family-owned local restaurant and bakery. During COVID shutdowns, we pivoted our business to include a retail section that features locally made gourmet and artisan foods, eco-friendly products, and a selection of artworks from local artists. We also feature a wide selection of take-home meals to complement our breads, biscuits, and fancy pastries.
Tell us about yourself
We have been involved in the industry for over two decades. Our entire family is involved in different capacities. I am a sommelier; my husband is a professional musician. Our eldest son is a Cordon Bleu Diploma. He works with our younger son in The Old Triangle, another of our enterprises. Day-to-day operations of Edible Matters are conducted by our daughter-in-law, who is a certified pastry chef. Our family works well together, bringing a never-ending variety of inspirations and opinions to our business. Family is my motivation, seeing them all grow beyond anything I could ever think of.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
These days, just being able to stay in business is an accomplishment in itself, but I feel that having the ability to continue to evolve and improve with changing times, demographics, and guests' changing needs and wants is not only essential but very satisfying.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Probably the responsibility that comes with having ultimate responsibility. Anything that goes wrong, any question someone can't answer, any difficult decision regarding staffing, or any issue - it's a lot of pressure. As a business owner, whatever a day brings, the buck stops here, and you can't just turn off the phone or ignore an email. It can be a lot if you aren't prepared.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan carefully. Have a realistic, costed business plan that has been reviewed by a professional who actually knows your business.
- Have money. So many businesses fail, not because they aren't any good or don't have customers, but because they don't know how to handle finances strategically. Cash flow is paramount, and knowing the big picture of where the money goes at all times is essential.
- Listen to anyone and everyone's opinion, but go with your gut and don't look back at the end of the day. Stick to your plan and your decisions, don't waffle with every Twitter post.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner is very hard but can also be very rewarding. You have the freedom not enjoyed by those who work for others, but you also have all of the responsibility that entails. Take care of your staff, they are the pillars that your business stands on, and if you show them loyalty and support, their support and loyalty will help you through tough times.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ediblematters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdibleMatters/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ediblematters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ediblematters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winewanderer/
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.
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