Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Pister, co-owner of PachaMama Soul Flavour Emporium, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Pachamama Soul Flavour Emporium is a cozy, creative, and welcoming space where you can come to indulge in a colorful array of delicious plant-based delicacies. Not only do we offer all of the classic café beverage favorites, but if your day is calling for something different, an afternoon cocktail can await you also. Aside from our diverse beverage selection, we have a food menu with a few permanent items as well as temporary specials that rotate every couple of days. Our baked and non-baked desserts boast all of the healthiest ingredients while still being drool-worthy delectable. Every dish is made with entirely plant-based ingredients and can be made gluten-free. Our walls are filled with art, jewelry, and products for sale, crafted by local artists.

Our customers are a mix of people who live in nearby communities and people who travel the distance across the city because they have heard about the incredible energy that radiates from our space. We already have an uncountable number of regular customers who visit us multiple times a week, and there are new faces that walk in on the daily! We aim to accommodate every being, regardless of their food sensitivities or preferences. Our tasty, nutritious drinks and dishes, on top of our caring connection with customers in a relaxed environment, leaves a lasting impression that keeps people returning time and time again.

Tell us about yourself

We are a mother and sister trio who all decided to open the business together because of our love for hosting and feeding people our wholesome creations. Our entire household switched to a plant-based lifestyle around the same time, about 6 years ago. Since then, we've become increasingly in love with the way it makes us feel. One of our main motivations is the fact that we are saving the lives of many animals with every dish served. We intend to create a ripple effect of awareness, inspiring people to lessen their environmental impact in any way possible. Very little waste is generated in our café. We strive to eliminate all unnecessary packaging by sourcing local, bulk ingredients whenever possible. The majority of our uneaten food goes into a special compost bin that is delivered to a nearby animal sanctuary. Ultimately, our soul-driven mission is to always better ourselves and the world around us. We are here to receive and give love in return!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Although we are still a brand new business, it seems as though our biggest accomplishment as business owners is the connection we have established with so many incredible people. Our attitude of gratitude has created a significant shift in the way our days unfold. Us 3 owners, and our customers, have been brought to tears (mostly happy tears) and moments of total awe in many situations during our workdays. It is through the deeper connections with our community that removes us from the autopilot mode that many people fall into while caught up in the hustle-bustle of daily duties. For that, we feel very successful.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is learning to establish a balance between all things work-related and our personal lives. It is an emotional rollercoaster when factoring in all of the important elements of self-care, family, friends, and free time and maintaining consistency with business operations and productivity. Thankfully, we have created a comfortability in our business space that makes us, and everyone else, feel at home. Yet it can still be taxing on the mind, body, and soul to ensure that our cups are full, so we are capable of filling the cups of others. (Literally and figuratively)

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

  1. Be very considerate of the relationship between you and your business partners. There must be proper mutual respect and understanding between every member involved. Clear communication is key, and it can be difficult to not become frustrated with the differences in which you desire to operate your business. Ensure you are going to be working with people who you can relate to in ways, on levels beyond the workplace. If you are solo in the business venture, ensure that your relationship with yourself is being nurtured.
  2. Practice mindfulness in all ways, every day. Aside from earning a living, your true intentions should be at the forefront of the decision-making. Keep in mind that change is the only constant. Therefore, it is imperative that you create a business and lifestyle that will allow you to adapt to all of the future fluctuations.
  3. Do not be afraid to ask for help. We are forever a student and forever a teacher. People from all walks of life are available to ask for advice and assistance. Some of the greatest lessons can come from places that we'd least expect.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We would like to share with everyone that we are eager to give back! We would love to expand our reach as far and wide as possible. We have already become involved with different organizations and not-for-profit groups, but we are aiming to enhance the lives of people and animals from all over our city, the country, and the entire planet. If you are aware of any individuals or groups in need of some support, please reach out to us, and we can discuss ways in which to make it a reality.

Our space is vibrant and earthy, and we are also happy to host events of many sorts. Whether you're a carnivore, omnivore, herbivore, savory or sweet fanatic, we fully intend to create a memorable experience that caters to your taste buds and ignites your cells. We hope you take the time to come enjoy the picturesque emporium we have put all of our love into.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pachamamasoulyyc.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pachamamasoulyyc.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pachamamasoulyyc/

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.