Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angela Frank, founder, and president of Cup'n'Cake, located in Anchorage, AK, USA.

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

Our business is a locally owned, specialty bakery that serves the Anchorage community with or without dietary restrictions because we believe that everyone deserves a little sweetness in their lives. That being said, we love doing gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free cakes and desserts for people and pups.

Tell us about yourself

Erik and I recently took the risk to travel across to country to live in a Bob Ross painting. Long before our business was established, we had a dream and a wildly loose plan. It wasn't until we moved to Anchorage and at the height of the pandemic that we found a way at the farmers market to establish ourselves as a unique and authentic brand, filling needs that were once unmet. Much like when we told ourselves to just go for it when we moved, we just went for it to make our dream a reality.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having the opportunity to meet wonderful people and see them again as they come back for our product brought them joy. We once had a woman try a sample of our Wild Alaska Blueberry Jam on our vanilla cake, and I kid you not, teared up for how much she loved it. I remember watching her son, who was about ten years old, look at his mom and say, "mom, I've never seen you like this with food." It has been and will most certainly remain the height of my career as a pastry chef. Our hope is to bring as much joy to others through baking as it has hers.

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

Quickly realizing the amount of time and overhead it costs. It's never as much as you expect and most often more. Yet, no matter how late you may stay up, the order is somehow accomplished.

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

  1. Be flexible. Your clientele will help guide your brand.
  2. Be mindful of your initial investments. Houses are built one brick at a time. As entrepreneurs, we have lots of good ideas, but it's important to focus on a good foundation before adding the details.
  3. Give back. Show your appreciation to your customers and work with other businesses given the opportunity. Having a business goes beyond your product; it's sharing with your community.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We also sell cake and cake accessories.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cupncakebakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CupnCakeBakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cupncake_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.