Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rav Singh, founder of Shade of Miti, located in Mississauga, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Shade of Miti is a food and climate justice organization. We run a small-scale organic farm where we focus on climate action and grow crops that are significant to a newcomer and South Asian communities, such as okra and bitter melon. My customers are mainly newcomers and communities of colour in Mississauga who want to support new and young farmers and access local and organic vegetables.
Tell us about yourself
I have been farming for four years at an urban market garden, which is where I learned a lot about community collaboration, food sovereignty, and climate action. I wasn't able to make the impact I wanted within the non-profit world, so I decided to start my own farm and create my own space. Seeing how excited consumers get when I have okra, and bitter melon motivates me to keep doing what I do. I have been able to connect with so many other young, new, queer, and farmers of colour since starting my business, who are so inspiring!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think one of my biggest accomplishments is helping other women and people of colour see themselves as farmers. When I was starting my own farm, it was really helpful for me to connect with other farmers who had similar experiences and backgrounds. It's great to be able to pass advice on to others now.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I've faced is having to adapt to climate change. There are a lot of external factors that impact a farm, and with climate change, there are more extreme and unpredictable events that are occurring. With climate change comes a lot of eco-anxiety, and finding appropriate resources and support is difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a mentor who has similar experiences, identities, and a background as you.
- No matter what your business is, try to incorporate climate action into your work.
- Even though you and your business are operating under capitalism, don't be afraid to experiment with alternative systems and ways of doing things.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shadeofmiti.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadeofmiti/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadeofmiti/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shadeofmiti
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.
