Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in the health food business but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Mitz, Founder of Nola Baking Co., located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We create food products made from 100% real food that our customers can feel good about eating. We are on a mission to change the way people think about fuelling their bodies by educating consumers about the power of natural, minimally processed foods. Our products provide families with options that simplify healthy eating in a fun and authentic way.
Tell us about yourself
NOLA grew from a product I created for my own diet that I could not find on store shelves. After working as a corporate lawyer in Toronto for 10 years and bringing three wonderful children into the world, I decided to scale back to part-time and focus on things I truly enjoyed.
Health and wellness have always been a passion of mine, and during this time, I started training for my first marathon. I was searching for products that were high protein and low sugar. When I couldn’t find anything that met my needs (and tasted good!), I started to create my own nut-based granola.
I would eat the granola before training runs, to re-fuel after and share with family and friends. I noticed a gap in the market for this type of product which inspired me to start my company. We launched with four granola flavors and have been working for the past several months on a children’s line with four new products launching in 2022. I am really excited about sharing more details of our new line in the coming months.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching this business six months before a global pandemic and surviving through the worst of it with year-over-year growth. It also makes me incredibly proud to be an inspiration to my three children as they witness me balancing the struggles that come along with being a mom entrepreneur.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Recognize your limitations and build a network of people who can help you in areas you lack. Don't be afraid of failure. Look into grant funding as there are many programs to support Canadian entrepreneurs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.nolabaking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolabaking/
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.
