Season 2 of Behind the Business kicks off with Sue Hamer, the founder of Ottawa’s beloved SuzyQ Doughnuts.

What began as a kitchen experiment during a Canada Post strike turned into one of the city’s most iconic donut shops. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Sue shares her journey from craft shows and farmers markets to opening her first storefront, all while raising a family and staying grounded in her values. 

We dive into the real challenges behind the scenes—from navigating burnout to maintaining quality and planning for growth, including a future food truck.

It’s a story about starting scrappy, building with heart, and the power of community. A perfect way to launch Season 2.

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Chapters:

00:00 The Spark of Entrepreneurship

07:51 From Farmers Market to Retail

14:45 Navigating Challenges as a Parent and Entrepreneur

21:57 Growth and Expansion During COVID

28:54 Creative Processes and Future Plans

35:00 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs