Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Morrison, founder of CupKate's Bakery, located in Bedford, TX, USA.

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

I own a baking business called CupKate’s Bakery. I bake and decorate custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. I work with customers who are wanting uniquely custom-decorated goods that match their vision but also taste delicious. Every item that I sell is baked with love in my home kitchen. CupKate’s Bakery is a one-woman show created, owned, and run by me, a dreaming entrepreneur. Whenever customers support my small business, they are supporting my dream.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Melissa Kate, and I’m the face behind CupKate’s Bakery. From an early age, I was passionate about creating things. My passion for baking started around the age of 11 after watching cake decorating shows on TV. I decided to give baking a try, and when friends and family members saw my cakes, they wanted one of my creations as their own. As a result, my business was born, and I haven’t stopped baking since! I never intended on starting my own baking business, but after pictures of my work were posted on social media, orders started flooding in. I am motivated to provide customers with the custom baked goods they are looking for to enhance their parties and events and bring people joy through my edible art. Every day I’m motivated to get in my kitchen and do what I do to keep my dream of owning my own baking business alive.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is starting my small business at such a young age. Through my early years in business, I navigated school while simultaneously running my small business. I even completed my Bachelor’s degree while solely running and building my business. Another big accomplishment is that I’ve taught myself everything I know. I’ve never taken a class or received financial support to grow my business. My business was built from scratch by me.

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

The hardest part of being a business owner is the time and energy it takes to build and run a successful business. My business is my life. I’m answering emails, posting on social media, shopping for ingredients, managing my budget, designing my website, in addition to actually fulfilling the orders that I receive. A lot of time goes into my small business. All parts of my business are operated by me, which is extremely challenging, time-consuming, and can be stressful at times. I can’t count on receiving a paycheck each week unless I invest my own time and talent into my business.

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

  1. I think it’s extremely important to have a job that you are passionate about. Make sure that the business you are looking to create is something you love. Starting, running, and growing a business is a lot of hard work, so before you start a business, make sure you are willing to invest time, talent, and money into something you are truly passionate about and love doing.
  2. Use social media to market your business. The majority of my orders come from social media. Target your desired customer through what you post on social media. Make sure your information is current on your social media accounts and can turn followers into potential customers. Connect with customers through social media and promote what you want to sell. Social media is your best friend when building a business!
  3. As a small business owner, you can’t be afraid to fail. It’s okay if you aren’t successful the first time around. You will never know if you can be successful, though, if you don’t try. Don’t let fear hold you back from what you are passionate about. I’ve had many failures as a small business owner. However, I’ve learned from my mistakes, and my failures end up helping me become more successful as a business owner. It’s okay if you don’t blow up right away when you launch your business. You miss 100% of shots you don’t take, so don’t be afraid to take a shot at your dream.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://cupkatesbakery.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063035301272
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cupkates_bakery/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.