Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patricia Osuch, owner of Miss P's Gluten Free, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are all things gluten-free, especially food products that aren't usually found gluten-free. Gluten-free should taste just like other wheat products, and that is our mission. Everything we bake is in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so no worries of cross-contamination. We also know that dairy is usually a problem, so we try to make most products dairy-free. Some of our pride and joy items are breads, bagels, pita, cinnamon buns, butter tarts, perogies, nuts and bolts, and of course, lots of cupcakes and cookies.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in the oil and gas industry for 25 years and decided it was time to pursue my baking passion. I went back to school and became a commercial baker. One of the largest indoor year-round farmers' markets was just opening, and I took the leap and signed up. Of course, at that time, I had no idea what gluten-free was, let alone how to bake it. When many customers kept asking for it and could I bake it for them, I remember thinking, "well, how hard can it be" I decided to take on the challenge, It certainly was a science project, but I became hooked and kept perfecting, and creating. The customers loved it and kept buying. The rest is history.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have to say it would be sticking with it for 15 years, doing whatever it takes to do the job better than my competition. Even when it is hard and times get tough.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Well, there is certainly more than one thing. But I think it has to be available 24 hours a day. Dealing with the problems on a daily basis.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stick with it; always believe in yourself.
- You can't do it alone; ask for help.
- You aren't good at everything; know your strengths. Hire a good accountant.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It is a lot of work, usually more than you expected, and seems daunting, but it is soooo worth it. The sense of accomplishment alone is huge.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.misspsglutenfree.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misspsgf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misspsglutenfree/
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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