Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pamela Hamel, brand ambassador of Thornloe Cheese, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are cheesemakers in a unique Canadian terroir known as Temiskaming. Our hillsides are speckled with cows naturally grazing, and our grass-fed butter has won numerous Grand Champion awards. Our customers are quality food seekers for their health and environment.
Tell us about yourself
As Brand Ambassador, I'm inspired every day by the commitment of cheesemakers who arrive very early no matter the weather. As you can imagine, as a Northern region, we get our fair share of snow.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest commitment is to quality, we carefully choose every ingredient that goes into our cheeses, and that starts with its milk source. Our Grass-fed standard that started in Temiskaming from naturally pastured farming went National. This we are very proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As cheesemakers, the hardest part of the business is in part of our where we are located. Winters can belong, and helping new and veteran staff stay motivated is a big challenge. And then secondly, it is managing the supply chain.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Understand your product or service differential, and know your unique story. Second, ensure you have the right balance of management, and third, your employee recruitment and retention strategies need to be incorporated from the beginning.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are very proud of our Canadian legacy, our terroir, and our supporters. Without our community, we would not have made it to our 80th year, operating pretty much the same way we did back then. Fresh milk from local dairy farms, cheddaring, and opening our doors to travelers near and far.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.thornloecheese.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thornloecheese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thornloecheese/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thornloecheese
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.