Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lynda Turner, founder, and CEO of Fauxmagerie Zengarry, located in Alexandria, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company, Fauxmagerie Zengarry, makes fine plant-based cheese that actually tastes good! For example, we have a Double Crème Brie style, an Ale-Aged pub-style Cheddar flavour, and a Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil spread that is made with fresh basil grown on-site in hydroponic towers. Each flavour can be served at wine and cheese events or easily incorporated into recipes as a healthy substitute for dairy cheese and is enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.
Tell us about yourself
In 2010, as an ecotoxicologist working at Health Canada, I decided to transition to a plant-based diet. Back then, vegan options and restaurants were rare. Out of necessity, I developed a keen interest in cooking. I got to know my way around the kitchen pretty well. The cheese was the one thing I missed most, so I developed my own cheese recipes using cashews. The feedback from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive, so I thought: What if I made this a business? I think necessity really is the mother of invention. And I knew that if more vegan cheese options actually tasted good, more people would buy them, which would, in turn, help them live healthier lives while reducing their carbon footprint since vegan cheese is a sustainable source of protein.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Today, my business creates ethical products that are good for people and the planet. It creates employment in my rural community and gives my life purpose. I would say that being able to live my life in alignment with my values is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the biggest challenges I've faced as a business owner is self-doubt. There are constant decisions to make, and fear can hold you back or even be paralyzing at times. I'm not sure if this is more common in female entrepreneurs, but I have several other women in business that I regularly bounce ideas off of and rely on for counsel, which helps me overcome self-doubt and make better business decisions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love what you do. Your passion for your project is what will keep you going even when the going gets tough.
- Be resilient. You will have setbacks. Everyone does. Learn from them, pick yourself up, keep going, and don't forget to celebrate your wins!
- Don't isolate yourself. There are many groups, mentors, and associations around to support entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs. Find a group that you feel comfortable in and participate. Meet other entrepreneurs that you can talk to, ask questions, and listen to their struggles. It helps when you know that you're not the only one with challenges.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.zengarry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zengarryveg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zengarryveg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-turner-25276159/
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.