Alter Perception Through Confection

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stufona Latta, CEO of Bake Your Mark, located in Greer, SC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Created with the thoughtful business leader in mind, Bake Your Mark is a business-to-business dessert consulting company that specializes in distinct collections of handcrafted treats to inspire brand recognition. Through dessert, we offer organizations a sweet way to connect with their clients and nurture relationships. My customers are those who want to build brand remembrance in an indulgent and unique way because the ultimate expression of gratitude is dessert!

Tell us about yourself

After spending almost two decades in corporate HR, I saw firsthand how impersonal and transactional the corporate environment had become. In 2020, I decided to get back to my baking roots, mixing my professional background with my passion, and founded Bake Your Mark. I bring connection, remembrance, and authenticity to my client's branding and engagement efforts via dessert. Through Bake Your Mark, clients commission me to create custom desserts that represent their company in the sweetest way possible.

Baking has always been a big part of my life. Both of my parents were enthusiastic bakers, and no celebration was complete without one of their signature cakes or pies. I baked as a hobby and participated in various courses, training, and workshops to learn about all things dessert, honed my techniques and built my repertoire of delectable recipes. Finally, taking the leap of faith to start my own business. Every day I am motivated to "alter perception through confection."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far has to be the continued growth of Bake Your Mark through engaging with my customers and not running out of money!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner (especially when solo) is accountability. Starting out, we're often going it alone, which can be isolating and lonely. I believe it's important to find peer support "biz besties" with whom you can check in, bounce ideas off of, and have the accountability you would otherwise lack.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Work in your business every day - whether it's networking, research, training, photography, etc., Do something.
Be flexible - how you initially envision your business may not be how it ends up. Be receptive to change.
Build a BAIL team early - Bank, Accountant, Insurance, and Legal.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bakeyourmark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakeyourmark/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bake.your.mark/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bake-your-mark/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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