Episode 1

full
Published on:

16th Oct 2023

From Baking Therapy to Entrepreneurship, Raveena Oberoi is Breaking the Mold

In this podcast episode, Rav interviews Raveena Oberoi, the owner of Just Cakes Bakeshop. Raveena shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur and what inspired her to start her own bakery. She discusses the support she received from her family, the challenges she faced in her first year of business, and the importance of representation in her industry. Raveena also talks about the difficulties of pursuing a creative profession and the need for self-development. She emphasizes the importance of innovation and genuine connections with customers, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Timestamps

[01:30] Becoming an entrepreneur

[04:00] Starting the cake business in a small apartment

[08:05] Opening the first location of Just Cakes

[10:32] The importance of representation and mentorship 

[15:01] Finding balance and delegating tasks

[17:53] The value of innovation and genuine marketing

[19:35] Advice for starting a small business

[23:44] The importance of mentorship and networking 



Quotes

  • "I've never been disappointed in taking a chance on myself because I know I'm going to do whatever it takes to see it through or at least give it an honest effort." -Raveena Oberoi [07:50]



  • "I wish people really gave credit to how much work it is. I think it gets glamorized a lot and I think that there's merit and so much attraction to it. It requires a different kind of mental toughness that I don't think a lot of entrepreneurs get credit for. So if you know somebody that runs a small business, you know, give them kudos, give them that support that they really need because that can be the difference of them really feeling down on themselves or taking that next step." -Raveena Oberoi [28:59]
Show artwork for The Business of Small Business

About the Podcast

The Business of Small Business
Stories you won't find elsewhere
Welcome to The Business of Small Business podcast where we bring you the unique stories of Canadian small business owners and entrepreneurs. We’ll delve deep into how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the success that made it all worth it.
Each episode, we’ll invite local business owners, industry experts, and thought leaders to share their valuable lessons and experiences. You will hear stories of perseverance, creativity, and determination empowering you to tackle your own goals. Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, or someone who simply loves to hear a good story, this podcast is for you.

My journey as a small business owner

As someone who grew up with a passion for good food, starting a food business felt like a natural fit. However, instead of starting from scratch my husband and I decided to join a franchise to gain experience and knowledge of the industry.
To be honest I had no idea about many aspects of running a business and learnt most things on the go. That’s the essence of entrepreneurship - Each journey is unique.
A big learning learning curve for me was the mindset transformation from a 9-5 to a business owner. It taught me the importance of leadership, setting clear boundaries, and adopting an abundance mindset. Another key lesson was the importance of discipline and having systems in place, without which things would simply fall apart.
Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing business owners. Their stories have been a constant source of inspiration and strength and I am excited to share such stories with you.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities

Being rooted in our local communities doesn't make their dreams any smaller. A business is much more than a storefront – it's embodies values, ambitions and a relentless drive to create a meaningful impact. Could you imagine your neighbourhood without any small businesses? They are part of our identity, our tastes and traditions.
They are important for our lives and communities and helping them is not just a meaningful endeavour, but a crucial one. When local businesses thrive, we all benefit from increased economic activity, job creation, and a stronger sense of community.
Consider how you can lend support to these businesses - whether it's providing honest feedback, spreading the word, leaving an online review, or sharing your expertise.