Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janice Bartley, Founder of Foodpreneur Lab, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We support food entrepreneurs seeking to launch or scale food businesses. We provided 1:1 advisor-led support that focuses on the lived experience of underrepresented communities. Our focus is "access" and creating a level playing field for food entrepreneurs within the food ecosystem. We create global food experiences that introduce and connect consumers to new food experiences in their own backyard.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an entrepreneur for over 30 years, working in the Hospitality & Culinary space. I spent six years in the Food Incubator & Accelerator space and was able to use my entrepreneurship knowledge and experience to help support food entrepreneurs. What became obvious was the lack of representation of black food entrepreneurs, and that has become my purpose of changing the landscape and creating opportunities for BIPOC communities to showcase their food products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having the opportunity to design a pathway for food businesses that focuses on educating and creating experiences to learn about the sector and provide the necessary supports to help make their food journey a success.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Executing the vision. Ensuring your business is sustainable is a difficult task, but being a great Leader is probably a close second. You have to have a Team that believes in the vision (your Leadership).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you speak to someone who runs a business successfully.
  2. Ask yourself why you are going into business (filling a gap, self, innovative idea). Your why should be more than just monetary gain.
  3. Ensure you have a growth strategy and that it is viable.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, and it's difficult to mentally overcome the feelings that come when you seem to continuously face challenges. Self-care is really and truly the antidote. We forget this important fact because we have adopted a philosophy of "all or nothing work, "work harder, work faster," hustle, grind, repeat," and that will not sustain the long-term stamina required in any business. So pause…. take "time outs" regularly and enjoy the journey regardless of the outcome.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.foodpreneurlab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodpreneurlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodpreneurlab/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodpreneur-lab/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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