Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Zaehler, chef, and owner of Chetek Bakery, located in Chetek, WI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a scratch bakery. We make bread, donuts, pastries, cupcakes, and custom cakes. We serve Northern WI. Chetek in the summer months is home for many tourists.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a chef for close to 15 years. I was a trained pastry and culinary chef. It was always my dream to own my own bakery. I love what I do. I was taught if you have good energy, you create good food.

My husband is a retired veteran. After 36 years in the Army, he decided that it was time to get out, and he has joined me in this venture. His dad had a restaurant growing up.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We are still working on that. We have only owned the business since May 2021.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Honestly, fixing all the mistakes left by the previous owners and restoring the damaged reputation they left the bakery. It’s learning the different customer bases that change with the seasons and knowing when to balance everything.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Do your due diligence, get all the facts. You may have to walk away from the first offer or place. Second, hold others accountable for providing what they promised. Make sure you always have a backup plan.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are the only scratch bakery in 50 miles, we are struggling, but we haven’t quit fighting. Some people have given upon us, but we are still trying to make the mom-and-pop place work in a rural setting.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.chetekbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chetekbakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chetekbakery21/

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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