Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Sanguedolce, owner of The Lactation Cookie Company, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is The Lactation Cookie Company. A company I started after having my son and not being able to find lactation cookies on the shelves at my local grocers. I drove to the USA to buy them (!). I then realized that as an owner of a local bakery in Toronto for the last ten years, I had everything I needed to make them myself.
My customers are bold, beautiful, busy, and health-conscious new moms looking for some support on their lactation journey.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mother and a leader who wants to mentor my teams and lead successful businesses. I want to increase awareness and education around breastfeeding with my Lactation Cookie business. I want to break stereotypes for mothers who breastfeed and provide education globally on this important subject. I am motivated by the people around me, the energy from children and new moms, the amazing creativity from my team, and the love and innocence that children around me share with the world, including my three-year-old son, who motivates me daily, and also makes me laugh.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is creating happy and healthy workplace relationships within our teams, running three successful businesses through the rough waters of COVID, and keeping my sanity, all while being a mother to a very active and curious, sports obsessed toddler.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The daily changes that occur within every aspect of running the business. There is always a new challenge to face, whether it is employee, supply chain, customer, product, or even weather-related. We've seen it all under our roof and keep on being positive and making cookies!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask for help - there are so many people willing to share knowledge, experience, and their time with you.
- Be Kind - treat everyone the way you want to be treated, no matter their status in life.
- Be Honest - honesty, upfront, and right away is the best policy. It helps save a lot of time and drama. And every business owner wants to be drama -free :)
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Small business leaders in all sectors are doing such amazing things, supporting locals, going off the beaten track, try new suppliers and local businesses to support. You will find unique and amazing businesses doing good in the world. You will be pleasantly surprised!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thelactationcookiecompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelactationcookieco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sanguedolce-b259581/
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.