The Big Questions – Nykole Crevits & Karl Fellbaum, Noki Farms
Noki Farms is a hybrid urban indoor farm/retail space that grows specialty gourmet mushrooms and hydroponic microgreens. We are focused on accessibility, sustainability, and reduction of food waste and environmental impact.
You can check out Noki Farms at nokifarms.ca, and on Instagram (@noki.farms), Facebook (@noki.farms), and LinkedIn (@nokifarms). Or, check out their retail store located at 55 Wyndham Street N, Unit T6B in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes!
Q: When was the moment you first knew you were meant to be an entrepreneur?
A: We both come from science backgrounds, where there is a ton of emphasis on exploration and discovery through trial and error. This involves an unexpected variety of skills from so many different fields. When we realized that this type of mindset doesn’t necessarily need to be restricted to a traditional laboratory, and that starting our own business combines our various experiences, this is when we first knew that entrepreneurship was meant for us! The freedom to build something meaningful and be able to share that with others is so rewarding.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you have faced starting your business?
A: Time management combined with not knowing what we don’t know has been our biggest challenge overall! There are so many steep learning curves when starting a business, and just when you think you’ve got a schedule planned for the week, you learn something new and need to fit that into your already-overloaded agenda.
Q: What is the biggest “win” you have experienced as an entrepreneur?
A: Getting caught up in enthusiastic conversations with customers whose values align with what we’re doing. There is a sense of community being built here, and it feels great to be able to connect with people on a personal level.
Q: What is the most important piece of information you would give to others who are starting their own business?
A: Talk to EVERYONE about what you do! You never know what will come up in conversation, be it support, advice, troubleshooting, a new connection, an opportunity, or even just a super cool human interaction.
