Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stef Scrivens, Co-Founder and COO of Tablz, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tablz is an immersive 3D booking portal, giving diners the ability to pick their table and create their experience before entering the dining room.
Tell us about yourself
When I was 20 years old, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Fast forward a year, and I had spent my recovery time baking each day to calm down. I fell in love with it and decided to pursue it as a full-blown career. I worked as a pastry chef for about 10 years, from independent restaurants in my hometown (Ottawa, Canada) all the way up to Michelin-starred restaurants abroad in the UK.
Needing a break from the long days, I took a step back and got involved with the business and tech side of the industry and have been there ever since. Because I went through that diagnosis at such a young age, life was put into perspective for me quite quickly, and I realized that life is very short. I made the promise to myself to pursue something I loved as a career, and I can confirm the food industry is one I will never leave.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Realizing you know very little about most things, but having the confidence to find out the answer and teach yourself or allow others to teach you. I started off not knowing a lot about tech or business in general but was lucky enough to surround myself with three other co-founders, all of us with different sets of skills that complement each other greatly. Being able to become a leader and now teach others what I learnt feels incredible.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When you know someone needs to make a decision about something for the company, and you realize it's you. There are a lot of people who now rely on you for their job and well-being, and it can get heavy sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Commit - the passion and time it takes to build a business are huge, but it's worth it.
- Balance - sleep well and eat well. Both of those things will explode your productivity and creativity.
- Work smarter, not harder. Organized work, clarity, and time productivity will save you an unbelievable amount of time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tablz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TABLZbyTK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tablz.tk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefscrivens/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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