Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sora Takayama, owner of Vegan Pudding & Co., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
THE ONE AND ONLY VEGAN CUSTARD PUDDING STORE.
We sell our products from the small window on 422 Richards Street and wholesale at Whole Foods Market, supermarkets, etc. People who want to enjoy a healthy diet are our customers!
Tell us about yourself
Back in 2007, my wife and I started to travel to Asian countries with backpacks. And I became Vegan in 2009. After four and half years of traveling, we settled down in Vancouver in 2011. Because lots of people recommended me, Vancouver is a vegetarian-friendly city!!
I started to host a poetry reading events with vegan food made by my wife. I asked her if she could make vegan custard puddings for the event. I used to like puddings! She created a vegan pudding recipe, and it was super popular at the event!! And many friends asked us to make vegan puddings after that!
So we decided to start catering. As the catering numbers grew, we decided to start the small takeaway window pudding shop in 2015.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Spreading organic, plant-based products little by little.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
We make certified organic products. The organic ingredients are expensive, so it’s too hard to run the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Enjoy being involved with your own company and products.
- To feel the flow.
- Going your own way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.veganpuddingco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganpuddingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegan_pudding_co/
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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