Your Gluten-Free Specialty Baker - Dempsey Bakery
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paula Dempsey, owner of Dempsey Bakery, located in Little Rock, AR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dempsey Bakery is a very special kind of bakery because we cater to food-sensitive customers. We are gluten, soy, and peanut-free nut-free and have many egg and dairy-free products as well. Our products serve the special community but are so delicious that everyone loves them. They are also free of preservatives, and everything is baked from scratch fresh daily. Children get to have beautiful cakes and iced cookies for their special days and holidays. Children and adults with food sensitivities never have to do without. We also ship our products nationwide.
Tell us about yourself
I started this business ten years ago because of my family's food sensitivities, especially my grandchildren. I knew nothing about the food business and created all our recipes from scratch. A baker and I developed many products in a home kitchen, then tested them in a large commercial kitchen to make sure they would scale up. I built the bakery in an old retro car dealership building. The tears and smiles of the customers, whether it be from a mother, child, or adult that count on us for their families. They have choices they never dreamed they would have again. It keeps me going in these tough times.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think everyone's answer right now is the fact that we are still open after ten years. I never dreamed I would produce products that have gotten national recognition as some of the best gluten-free foods in the nation. Passion for what you do makes it successful.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Of course, making payroll and keeping staff is the hardest, I think. I have employees that have been with me for the whole ten years. No matter what, you are always on call and dealing with a turnover with some employees. Today the most frustrating and difficult task is supply chain issues and pricing in what is already an expensive industry.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You should have at least a year of expenses ready to use.
- Do not overthink, or you will never get it going due to fear.
- Know that you will be working or worrying 24-7. It takes a lot of work and perseverance to see it through the tough times.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always treat your employees with respect. You won't be able to keep them, and they won't give you the loyalty you need to be successful. You can't do it by yourself, and loyal, happy employees can make your business a happy place for customers and clients.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dempseybakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dempseybakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dempseybakery/
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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