Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Rhett, founder of Cupcake Bouquets by Karen, located in Charleston, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is mainly Floral Buttercream Cupcakes that can be arranged in floral tissue paper to resemble a Bouquet of Flowers. They can be arranged in a vase. They can be put in a basket, or they can be boxed. They can also be arranged in the shape of numbers and letters. The numbers are great for celebrating birthdays.
My customers are people who want to give a gift; they know the person they are giving it to will absolutely love it and be in awe. They are looking for a unique gift they know will make the person feel very special. They want an elegant dessert that also tastes amazing.
I put my heart and soul in every order that goes out because I know the end result is going to be the smile on the recipient's face. I always make sure every customer's order is beyond their expectations.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved to bake. When my daughter was younger, we baked together all the time. Life takes over, and kids grow up. I was looking for something to do in my spare time and decided I wanted to start baking again. I was online one day and saw some amazing cupcake designs and thought, I want to try that, So for the next few months, I practiced and practiced and practiced! My family had cupcakes every day for several months. Word slowly got out about my cupcakes, and the orders started coming in. My motivation is knowing when I finish the order, and it goes out for delivery, my cupcakes are about to make someone very happy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is every single order I receive and complete. When you are up against a company bigger than yours, and the customer picks your company to make a special gift/arrangement, it's a pretty awesome feeling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is keeping business steady. I'm very busy during all holidays. Birthdays and anniversaries keep me busy the rest of the year, but there are slow periods. That's when I have to get creative to keep the orders coming in.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay current and engaged on Social Media. Post and engage with your followers every day.
- Make sure you love what you will be doing. There's a lot of hard work to build a business, so make sure you love it.
- Be patient, and if you really want it, don't give up. It takes time, but the rewards are worth the wait.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can't stress how important Social Media is. I have gotten so many customers from Instagram alone I have also met some wonderful people who encourage me and have taught me so many new techniques. You have to remember to post and engage every day!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cupcakebouquetsbykaren.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cupcakebouquetsbykaren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cupcakebouquetsbykaren/
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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