Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chef Lori, Founder of Cakewalk Chicago, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Essential Supplies for the modern baker! Need just-in-time on-trend baking and decorating supplies? Cakewalk Chicago got you! Cakewalk Chicago fills the gap where big box stores and Amazon fail by offering consistent in-stock and on-trend products from the best brands from around the world.
I love getting hobby bakers excited about the artistry and comfort that dabbling in the craft of baking and sugar arts offers, and our core customers want the flexibility that self-employment as cottage bakers offers for their lifestyles.
Tell us about yourself
So 2020 sucked for reasons that we all know, but for me, it started for real when I was suddenly unemployed just before my 19th workiversary due to COVID restructuring. It was a devastating time financially and emotionally, and I was unable to find work that was meaningful to me. So. I leaned into what I loved. That thing that I had been treating like a hobby? Helping bakers, cake decorators, and sugar artists level up? I decided that it needed to be my career. And it turns out that that self-care of pouring into my dream is helping so many others reach theirs.
As a pastry chef, I knew that many in the sugar arts community were baking and making candy to make ends meet due to lost jobs or the need to be home to care for the family. Out of stocks at big chains and internet order delays made room for Cakewalk Chicago to lead. Cakewalk Chicago is not just a retail store. As the world that we knew destabilized, baking and sugar crafting became a form of self-care and continue to grow. 'Getting back to normal" now includes kitchen traditions previously lost but found again during the height of the pandemic creating a new generation of bakers. And when I'm ready to throw in the towel because business ownership is JUST! TEW! MUCH! a customer will come in and tell me how much what I am doing means to them. So I put on my big girl pants and show up for another day, reminding myself to be thankful for my blessings. What's not to love?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The growing number of five-star reviews is testimony to my work as a founder in paying attention to the needs of our customers and helping Cakewalk Chicago become an award-winning Chicago retailer.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Man! Being THE one that others count on ain't no joke.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Invest in yourself: Use local and national resources that are in place to help entrepreneurs start and grow.
- Don't be the smartest person in the room.
- Connect with other business owners to share resources and talk about the highs and lows.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Follow the Cakewalk Chicago Inspire Spotify Playlist.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cakewalkchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakewalkchicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakewalkchicago/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3NKwISc
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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