Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca Lee Andersen, co-owner of Pastaggio, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Pastaggio is an artisanal fresh pasta company based out of East Vancouver located at 1370 E Georgia Street. We make small-batch, bronze dye extruded, laminated, or handmade fresh pasta & provisions – using the highest quality ingredients we can source locally whenever possible. The name Pastaggio comes from merging two words, pasta & homaggio, the Italian word for homage! You can find us in retail, purchase from us direct at local farmer's markets, or alternatively, we offer online pre-order and pick up every Friday from 2 pm – 6 pm at our kitchen in East Van.

Tell us about yourself

Pastaggio was born from a COVID pivot. I was actually working in ticketing in the live events industry, which was hit tremendously hard during the pandemic. Unfortunately, like a lot of folks – I lost my job. But as one door closed, an idea was born – together, with my partner Daniel Jafari a professional cook with a passion for Italian food – we launched Pastaggio! It was important to us to provide our community with fresh, comforting, restaurant-quality meals - in a time that was unpredictable & unprecedented.

Launching a business during a pandemic has definitely been challenging – but what has kept us going on those late nights & early mornings in the kitchen is the connection we've made with our community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment as new business owners has definitely been launching a business during the pandemic - we just turned one in January of this year. There have been constant challenges for all small businesses owners from issues with supply chain, delays, shortages, and the increasing costs of ingredients. You have to really pay attention & adapt – we've also been very fortunate to have had support from our community along the way.

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

I would say the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is finding an off switch/work-life balance, especially if you're in business with your life partner. You need to make time for date nights and try NOT to talk about the business. And of course, make time for yourself too. You're no good to the business or future success of the business if you're burnt out. I'm still trying to listen to my own advice.

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

  1. Study your craft, be passionate about it, learn, do your research – understand your industry, and don't be afraid to reach out to others in your industry if you don't know the answer; people are a great resource.
  2. Invest in people and foster relationships - from the suppliers you work with/support other local small businesses, to your customers you serve who in turn support you – and the people you hire who help grow & be a part of your business. Take care of the people around you.
  3. Time & Efficiencies – as a small business owner, you wear many hats; time is something you always need more of. Don't be afraid to invest in things that will help you be more efficient.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We just want to say thanks for all the support; we are incredibly grateful & excited to see what's in store for the future!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pastaggio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastaggiofreshpasta/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastaggioyvr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastaggioyvr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lee-andersen-4958654b/

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.