Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Friesen, founder, and CEO of Tea & Toast - a retirement living specialist located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

Tea & Toast is a soft spot to land for those families who have senior loved ones in need of retirement living. By undertaking the entire process with the family, from research to touring to arranging the move and everything in between, Tea & Toast advisors work with families every step of the way. We specialize in educating the community on senior living so that they can be at peace with their decisions.

Tell us about yourself

I began Tea & Toast in 2014 after having had worked in the industry for the previous nine years. I found there was a lack of education surrounding what is available to seniors and their families. I also found that this lack of education was causing a lot more stress and overwhelm than I felt was necessary. I wanted to design a service to take away as much of the stress as possible, all while giving families as much knowledge about their decisions as possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is running a business where my staff love coming to work and thrive in a supportive environment while they provide families the pertinent information they need to make the best decisions for their loved ones.

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

The Senior Living Advisor industry is tricky in itself as it is a relatively new industry where there are no clear terms of engagement. Keeping my head above water all while lifting and developing the industry has its tough days!

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

  1. Do what you love and what you are good at; the rest will follow.
  2. Know that you can't accomplish everything out of the gates.
  3. Remember to rest and make time for yourself as well.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have been very fortunate to have been able to develop multiple avenues in my business to allow the community to take what they need for information. Whether through my best-selling book - Breadcrumbs, our Long Term Care course, our navigation service, or our talk show - Artful Aging with Amy.
www.artfulagingwithamy.com

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.teaandtoast.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teaandtoastinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaandtoastottawa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seniorsinottawa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tea-and-toast/

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.