Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janette Stenstrom, owner of All Things Cake, located in Tulsa, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
All Things Cake is a custom cakery specializing in one-of-a-kind cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other events. Additionally, we offer supplies and classes for those who want to learn to make their own cakes and desserts.
Our customers fall into two categories:
1.) Cake Makers
2.) Cake Buyers
We love them both!
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved baking, but my passion for it kicked in when I had small children to make birthday cakes for. My start in this business came when I was laid off from my corporate job during the financial downturn in 2008-2009. As a mother of three small children, being laid off was devastating, but I probably wouldn't have taken the leap without that push. I had been taking, and teaching cake decorating classes for fun and loved baking for friends and family, but I had a hard time finding more advanced cake decorating supplies locally. So when I found myself without a job, I decided to go for it! I spent several months writing a business plan, researching bakeries and suppliers, and talking with banks and small business coaches. We finally opened our doors in March of 2010.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We just hit 12 years in business, and my kids are all now teenagers. My biggest accomplishment by far is being an example to my children. I want them to see what success, commitment, and hard work look like.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner, no one loves your business as much as you do. That was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn, and I'm still learning how to instill customer service and work ethic in my employees.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- For creatives, it takes more than passion and the love of something to build a business. Learn the business side of things and write a business plan before you just go for it.
- Know your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses and surround yourself with people who complement them.
- Don't lose touch with your customer. Social media is amazing, but nothing beats one-on-one interaction with a happy customer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://allthingscakeshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThingsCake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingscake/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janette-stenstrom-3448a32a/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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