Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow, founder of Birch Bark Coffee Company Inc., located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a First Nations owned coffee company that provides organic, Fairtrade, and SPP Certified roasted to order coffee. We created an innovative social enterprise that is cause-driven to help our communities with water concerns. Set proceeds are put aside through the sales of the coffee to help purchase water purification systems that we give away for free. We feel that start-up companies, such as ourselves, are evolving to pay closer attention to our environment, social needs and paying it forward. But that's not all, we have many layers to our company, and by creating an Indigenous Inclusion Continuum Business Model, we help to ensure everyone is included. We believe everyone should have that 'feel-good feeling.' People are shifting and rethinking their purchases and wanting to know ingredients, where the product came from, and who it supports.
Tell us about yourself
As an entrepreneur, you are always seeking alternatives to better something. We take risks and show perseverance to succeed. I strive to do the best I can do to be a good role model to motivate people to challenge themselves in their personal life and career. Believe in yourself and what you do, and most of all, show gratitude to all people and creatures on Mother Earth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Probably helping people believe anything is possible when you put your mind to it. No idea is too small to succeed. It is the small amounts of thoughts and beliefs you put into it that allows you to fail.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Understanding how big you want to grow your company and understanding all that comes with it. You must not focus on the barriers that you will encounter but stay focused on where your company will be.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Gratitude
- Believe in yourself and your ideas.
- Don't look back.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Every adversity contains a seed of an equal or greater benefit. Do you have it in you to show your resilience?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://birchbarkcoffeecompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birchbarkcoffeeco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birchbarkcoffee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@birchbarkcoffee
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.