Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Siona Gartshore, owner of Banff Tea Co., located in Banff, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Banff Tea Co, we are more than just a retailer of wonderful tea! We invite customers to explore our Tea wall and sniff all the wonderful aromas they like. With over 200 options to choose from, it's quite an experience, and they can taste and get a cup of tea to boot! We are a local business but ship all over the world, and we love tea-puns, so the 40 or so blends we have created are not only unique but have fun names like Uncertain-Tea and Knock Yourself Out! We love what we do, and our team is knowledgeable and passionate about connecting with our customers. We are also passionate about the environment and commit to biodegradable packing. We even use an E-bike to move stock to the store every day! Our customers are Tea lovers from near and far, and some are like family as they have supported us over the last 14 years in business.
Tell us about yourself
I got lucky, I had worked for a company in the UK that retails Tea, and I had been promoted to area manager before my time ended working for them. I learned a lot about the product and the financial needs of running successful stores, and I knew I wanted to do it for myself. I started my business plan and went traveling for a year to get ideas and reboot. Serendipity happened when I arrived in Banff and found a two-year established small business calling for a new owner. My dream began to come true, and it has been nine years since I took over now. Running a business is challenging, of course, but the rewards are so worth it, in my opinion. Just reading a great review or an email from a customer thanking us for going the extra mile makes my day. Being small makes us unique, and our customers feel special and excited to find us.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I guess I should say increasing sales and customer reach, but what means most to me is paying our team fairly for the work they do. Retail is traditionally a low-paid industry, but being an outstanding sales and customer service individual is something to be proud of. We give our team a salary including great benefits and allow for over a month of paid vacation for full-time employees. That and our open and fun approach to customer service are achievements for sure.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Definitely laying someone off or ending a contract/dismissal comes to mind, but also, the weight of being the lead decision-maker can be pretty tough.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know your product or service, so be an expert but also invest in some leadership training. You do end up wearing many hats as a small business owner, but to be able to grow, you need to be able to step back, delegate, and see the bigger picture. Try to keep your set-up costs as manageable as possible, you can always reno or upgrade equipment once you are making a profit, but if your layout costs are huge, you are starting on the back foot. Invest in your team; they are your ambassadors. Giving them some ownership over their job will reward everyone and help ensure your success.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I couldn't have done this alone! I have a partner in life and in business, and she has been my constant support. I have also had a few Mentors that have been instrumental in my learning and growth, plus my family & friends. My sister has contributed considerably both in encouragement and working on the shop floor. You need to hone an attitude of 'I'm going to figure this out as I go along when you are a business owner and know that you can do it. So having the support of others really helps!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://banffteaco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanffTeaCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banffteaco/
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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