Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mays Chami, founder of Goûte-Moi Ça!, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make breakfast spreads, and olive oil condiments made with the basic pantry items of my childhood in Syria and Abu Dhabi, with a focus on zaatar and tahini. I like to mix it up with playful flavour combinations when creating my products as a way to share my love for unexpected pairings. Everything is made by hand with the huge help of my partner Jean, and I sell mainly to neighbourhood grocery stores around me and in greater Montreal. My customers are people sort of like me, or I should say people I want to be friends with: millennial, urban, curious, and supportive!
Tell us about yourself
Having grown up in the Middle East and the Arab Gulf and moved to Quebec at age 17, I feel that I represent a bridge between East and West. My desire is to invite people onto that bridge with me for a chat. I'm on a very personal mission to build connections, whether it be through my business or my personal life. Goûte-Moi Ça! (roughly translating to 'you gotta try this!') was spawned out of the desire to introduce my childhood flavours to all that are curious, and what motivates me is the overwhelming support of my community in Montreal, as well as the wonderful feedback I get from the customers I meet at farmer's markets.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Probably committing to this project for so long, as someone who never would have dreamed of starting their business!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Not having a team of people at the beginning can feel a little challenging at times for the entrepreneurs out there who love interpersonal relationships. It can also feel a little alienating if most of our friends and family work more traditional jobs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small and get comfortable with each step before moving on to the next. Long-term projects need time.
- Be prepared to ask for help within your network and propose trades for services received.
- Thank the 'no's that you receive. They're your cue to solving that puzzle piece, and sometimes they're a great indication as to who isn't your customer.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Join online groups and surround yourself with fellow entrepreneurs whenever you get the chance!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://goutemoi.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goutemoicamontreal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goutemoicamontreal/
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.