Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lorraine Toth, owner of Bettie’s Cupcakes, located in Clifton Park, NY, USA.

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

Bettie's is a cupcake business that provides from scratch, preservative-free cupcakes just like they were baked back in the 1950s!

Tell us about yourself

I grew up baking with my mom and loved the creative aspect of baking. In 2009 I opened a 1950's themed cupcakery in Saratoga Springs. I currently bake cupcakes for weddings, special events, and special orders.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is to have won awards for baking and dessert contests and have the ability to have both of my kids work for the business. I love that they get hands-on experience running a business.

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

One of the hardest things as a business owner is that it is not a predictable paycheck like you get working for someone. There are highs and lows, and you need a strong belief in yourself to make it through the financially challenging times.

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

  1. Research - find out what makes you different. Have a strong brand. Be marketable and memorable. You are a walking billboard for your company/brand.
  2. Hire out for what you are not good at - if you are great at people skills, make sure you are on the front line greeting customers. If you are horrible at bills, accounting, etc., then hire out for that.
  3. READ and learn - there is so much knowledge out there from successful business owners already. You don't have to reinvent the wheel; learn from those who have systems figured out.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Create an experience for your customers. Be an escape from reality. My stickers that I made to put on the cupcake boxes say these two messages: "Have a happy day!" or "Stressed is desserts spelled backwards!"

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bettiestreats.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettiestreats/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettiestreats/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-k-toth/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.