Make Ordinary Events, Special - Cakes By Kim
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Barnes, founder of Cakes By Kim, located in Wilmington, DE.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small family-run bakery in Wilmington, DE. Our customers are guests who love delicious quality cakes and pastries with excellent customer service.
Tell us about yourself
I started my company because I came from a family of entrepreneurs, so that was a natural progression for me. I really enjoy meeting my customers, helping design their cakes, and being a part of their event, whether it be a wedding, birthday, or any other milestone. I am always honored we are asked to provide delicious treats! My daily motivation is making someone happy! We have had customers cry happy tears when they see their cake, and that just completes everything for us! Then and not really second to, but to take care of my awesome team here. This is the best crew I've had in a long time, and we're really like a family. We cry together and laugh a lot!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say that we've made it 26 years when others have fallen away, especially during the pandemic, we remained steady.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The best and worst thing...people! For the most part, our customers are amazing. I have had some that have been buying from me when I first started 26 years ago, and now I am making cakes for their kids! Of course, we get the occasional person who just can't be made happy, and that's in every industry because people are people, and it happens. I have learned that hurting people hurt people, and just to be kind and gentle as someone that is difficult is probably going through something that I have no idea of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1- Take a business class. Know how to handle your money.
2- Hire a good accountant that can handle taxes.
3- Be personable and get your product out there! A business owner cannot sit back or be lazy, especially in the beginning, and people want to know who they are dealing with and won't work with someone they don't like, no matter how good the product is.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/cakesbykimwd/
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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