Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadia Colella, founder of Nadia and Co., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Nadia & Co is the prodigy of Toronto-based artist and tastemaker Nadia Colella. We are a by appointment only custom art and cake studio offering cake and sweet escapes for special events, fine art projects, content creation, and curation.

“I strive to fill the world around me and fuel my audience with my creativity, bringing beauty and inspiration in all avenues. Whether I am layering flavours in the studio, setting a beautiful flat lay, or dreaming up my next painting, I am always exploring life by celebrating Art & Pastry.”

Tell us about yourself

I started my journey over 15 years ago! I have always been a dreamer; from a young age, I imagined a world filled with ice cream bubble baths, quintessential tea parties, romantic imagery, pattern, and all things excessively beautiful.

My exploration in the kitchen is where my journey began; it is where I found my voice. I loved the possibilities that sugar presented to me; it was a new medium that allowed me to explore, fail and progress. I continued to hone my skills by studying fine art, specifically drawing and painting, as well as the art of French Pastry.

I am on a new path again as I explore expanding my offerings into gifting, stationery, and home decor. I feel like a new spark has been lit, and I am excited to see its possibilities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, I have faced my fair share of challenges, and it has been a long road to get where I am today. Like every artist, I have had my wins and losses. However, I believe we are always evolving if we allow for that evolution. Along my journey, I have come to meet so many talented artists and artisans that have helped shape and nurture that evolution.

My greatest accomplishment is the team I have created, the friendships I have made along the way, and the creatives I have the opportunity to collaborate and create with on a daily basis.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being an artist often proves to be the hardest part of being a business owner. I say that because, in an artist's mind, the possibilities are endless, and with that comes endless work and aspirations. This may sound inspiring, but there are times where I face the challenge of ultimately finding a happy balance between doing what I love and being compensated for the time it is worth. There is so much time that goes into just thinking creatively that is unrecognized in the product value. Evaluating that energy is the trickiest.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

My biggest piece of advice to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today is summed up into one word, passion. Having passion is where it all begins, what will keep you going, and what will give you all the reasons to stay. Along the way, I advise you are open-minded. Find a mentor to learn and be inspired by, be willing to fail, and have the strength to get back up, all while remaining humble and modest. There is nothing more attractive than a successful business owner who is willing to share. I believe I am where I am today because of those that paid it forward. Be kind to yourself and others along the way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would love to share a quote that I find I come back to time and time again.
When I am feeling like I need a push of encouragement, it brings everything to light every time.

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.
-Emile Zola

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nadiaandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044525105712
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiaandco/

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.