Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Husain Mulla, founding partner of Golden Crumb, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make people's day. Our business is at the forefront of putting smiles on faces, creating joy, and inducing great amounts of dopamine. We are an online-based bakery specializing solely in cookies. We operate out of a commercial ghost kitchen in Toronto, ON, and ship out twice a week, offering free delivery across the GTA. We also ship Canada-wide!
Tell us about yourself
Back when I was a student at Ryerson University, I would bake for fun. It was therapeutic for me. Friends and family were impressed with my creations, and I thought, what the heck, why not start a little something. And so I started. A lot of people with ideas get too caught up with perfecting every minute detail before launch. That's not my style. I dove in headfirst. I mean, we had takeout styrofoam boxes for our packaging when we first launched, but as you dabble further and further, you learn, you improve, and you grow. I love the process. I love working through obstacles, the whole creative process, and finally getting through to the other side and hitting your goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Obviously, turning a profit, scaling, and consistently growing every year is huge. Aside from that, I am proud of the team I have built. My younger brother took a passion to baking and he now manages the day-to-day operations of the business, dare I say he's a better baker than myself! I have another business, Frontline Transport, a refrigerated transportation company. As a small business, I employ a few people. It brings great satisfaction to know that I am creating work and opportunities for others through my business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing your time, especially work/life balance. As a business owner, you get super caught up in the day-to-day. We're wired differently. I can be working away at something and get so deep into it; I almost lose the sense of time. This is why time management is critical. Planning and using Google calendar to schedule my day is a must.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just Start - if you have an idea, don't get too caught up in the semantics. Start, and you will learn and be able to realize what works, what doesn't, what needs to be added/changed, etc.
- Invest in hiring good talent, especially in areas in which you may not be as strong.
- Persist - it won't be easy. If you have a dream, an idea, a vision, then be prepared to put in the work. It's a long road. There are ups and downs. Train your mind to enjoy the process.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The life of an entrepreneur is a wild ride. As you scale and grow, you will have many, many challenges, some sleepless nights, looming thoughts of "is it all worth it?" but I'll tell you, stay strong, always think back to why you first started and enjoy it. The wins will come.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://goldencrumbbiscuit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Golden-Crumb-694899653886541/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldencrumbbiscuit/
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.