Serving Up All Things Sweet - Buttermilk Boutique
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tie Whittaker, owner, and pastry chef of Buttermilk Boutique, LLC., located in Clayton, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Buttermilk Boutique is a local landmark where nostalgia meets beauty through hand-crafted pastries that showcase breathtaking presentation and design. Southern flavors live in our pastries. From banana pudding French macarons to red velvet Crème brûlée, we strive to wow our clients with every bite. Our desserts are for all of life's sweetest moments when you're looking for that extra special touch. Luxurious and delicious is the name of our game.
Tell us about yourself
My love of pastry can be traced back to a young age baking fresh pies, breads, and cobblers with my grandmother, Angel. Our family hobby turned business idea led me from a career path in law to fine pastry. After losing my grandmother Angel in 2010 to cancer, I decided to focus fully on my life-long passion for all things pastry. I traded my political science books for an apron, pastry bag, and a one-way ticket to Boston, Massachusetts. After completing Boston University’s Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy Program, I worked for Glutenus Minimus, Boston’s premier Gluten-Free Bakery as a part-time baker. Baking gluten-free breads, cakes, cookies, and other treats were just the beginning.
After spending two years in Massachusetts running some of Boston’s high-end bakeries and working for one of Boston’s top wedding cake designers at Cakes To Remember, I decided it was time to go back down south, and I relocated to North Carolina. In 2015 Buttermilk Boutique, LLC. was born. An ode to my grandmother and her famous Buttermilk Pie was just the start. Now, Buttermilk Boutique is a unique pastry company that specializes in an array of fine pastries that combine nostalgic southern flavors with modern technique and presentation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date was winning the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association's (NCRLA) Chef Showdown Competition and being named North Carolina Pastry Chef of the Year 2021. It has led me to some great opportunities and business exposure.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is balancing the rest of my life with running a business. I'm a mother, a wife, student, and I still work full-time. I'm always stretching myself to the max.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Wake up early! You can get more done when you have a window (even if it's a short one) of opportunity to get things done (i.e., respond to emails, take a minute to reflect, bake a cake before the kids wake up).
- Just START! I can't tell you how many times I've missed an opportunity because I was afraid just to do it. START, you can figure the rest out as you go.
- Keep good records or invest in an accountant. I wish someone would have told me this at the beginning. Keep all receipts, sign up for an accounting service like QuickBooks, keep a spreadsheet, or HIRE SOMEONE you can trust to keep your financials in order. Every dollar counts, and when you get busy, it's difficult to keep up with. Make sure you have something or someone in place to help you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Know your worth. I can't stress this enough. Pricing is a part of your brand. Get a handle on it, and stay firm. Your hard work is worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.buttermilkboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttermilkpastries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttermilk_boutique/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tie-whittaker-1981327a/
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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