Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacey Leick, Owner of Buttered Marshmallow, located in Omaha, NE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate Buttered Marshmallow, a full-service custom bakery in Omaha, Nebraska. My typical customer is the individual consumer.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in corporate America for nearly 36 years until I got tired of hearing all the things I couldn't do. I started working in my bakery full-time in 2019 with the goal of never working for anyone else again. My customers are always happy when they show up because no one orders a cake for a sad occasion. My goal is to present my best product to every single customer. I think I achieve this every day. I love what I do, I never feel like it's work, and I have the best boss a person could ever hope for.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Is there one biggest accomplishment? I replaced my corporate income in year one. I was named Best Bakery in Omaha in my first year. I have two cakes named Best in Omaha and another award on the way. I was interviewed on an NPR show. I have more than 2000 new customers in three years. Every day that I work from my home and make enough to pay my bills, save, and give back is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I have been so lucky, I do not find anything hard or challenging in owning my business. However, it is difficult to convey to others that I am busy on my own accord and I would rather "work" than do most anything else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand your market.
- If you don't know sales, finance, and inventory management, hire people that do. You need expertise in these three areas to succeed.
- Talk with passion about your business to every single person you meet.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://butteredmarshmallow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butteredmarshmallow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinkboxbaker/
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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