Entrepreneur Profile: Tetia Bayoro founder of Chap Chap Snacks

Staples is proud to support Canadian entrepreneurs with tools and resources to help them build their businesses and turn their dreams into reality. That’s why, together with Ownr (by RBC Ventures), Shopify and Moneris, we joined the Canada Starts initiative to support Canadian entrepreneurs by awarding grants to help them get their big idea off the ground. We caught up with Tetia Bayoro, founder of Chap Chap Snacks to find out how her business venture is going since being awarded a Canada Starts grant.

Tell us a bit about your business

Chap Chap Snacks is a subscription box service that sells African-inspired dry snacks. Each specially curated monthly box contains various types of handcrafted snacks: chips, pastries, nuts, candies, superfoods, and dehydrated fruits.

How did you get started?

My sister and I were feeling nostalgic and looking for fresh and tasty dry snacks from our native country, Ivory Coast. We wanted to be able to enjoy and share them with our friends, colleagues and family here in Canada.

We found that the selection of all African snacks, let alone specifically Ivorian, was extremely limited in the ethnic stores we usually shop at. The only way to get freshly made snacks was to order a substantial quantity from caterers. So, I decided that the best solution was to start my own African-inspired snacks company. My sister chose the name Chap Chap which means “quickly” and comes from an expression in Nouchi, which is Ivorian slang.

How did COVID-19 shape your business idea?

I came up with my business idea in August 2020, during the lockdown when I was at home without a job due to the pandemic. In a sense, COVID-19 made me think about this business idea as a way toward my financial independence. My business model was very adaptable, so I saw it as an opportunity to move forward.

Where do you think entrepreneurs should invest their time and money? I think it’s important for entrepreneurs to learn about their products, competitors and the environment they’re in. Developing basic business management skills is also important and building a ‘dream team’ of knowledgeable and skilled people they can turn to for help.

What keeps you inspired and working every day?

I am motivated by my belief in my products. Most of all, I believe in my capacity to succeed. I am convinced that my experience will inspire other people to work towards their own dream.

What tips do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in 2021?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned so far is that nothing is perfect at first. You must keep at it, and gradually you will improve and get better every day. The hardest part is just starting!

How does Staples Canada help your business?

I think of Staples for electronics and printed materials, and I would consider their printing services for my boxes and packaging.

Learn more about Chap Chap Snacks at www.chapchapsnacks.ca

Facebook: ChapChap.Snacks.Box

Instagram: @chapchap.snacks.box

Twitter: @chapchap_snacks

Check out Small Business & Entrepreneurship on our Working and Learning Blog to learn more about how Staples Canada is supporting Canadian entrepreneurs.