Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Roumayah, founding member of Detroit Cookie Company, located in Ferndale, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Detroit Cookie Company is a gourmet bakery specializing in unique cookie flavors and other nostalgic baked goods! Our customers are awesome, and our "why" is behind what we do. Food brings people together, and dessert makes everything better. Our cookie clients know that when they come to Detroit Cookie Co., they will be greeted with a smile and, even better, a crazy amount of cookie flavors, ice cream, brownies, blondies, and cereal treats!
Tell us about yourself
I first started working on my business in 2015 when I realized that my career path was not fulfilling. Making such a drastic career change was daunting, but my husband and I created a plan and stuck to it. My husband is a huge support system for me and helped me start my business. The thing that really motivated me the most was creating a lifestyle that made me happy and sharing my happiness with the world through cookies.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date is growing my business with my amazing team. We now have three bakeries, a production facility, and a cookie food truck. It is so rewarding to work on a team and watch each of our team members grow along with our business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is, this may sound weird, but moving forward. It is so hard to take risks and then keep taking risks. For example, the opening of our first location in Ferndale was so scary. Then the next step was building out a production facility, which was also scary. After that, we opened Ann Arbor and then Grand Rapids! Even though I was fully confident we would be successful with all of our openings, I was nervous. I kept asking myself, "Can I do this? Can we handle this?" Well, the answer was yes! I always remind myself that you are your only limit.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get a job in your career field and learn everything about it. Don't be afraid to work for someone else because this is going to give you the experience you need!
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be your family, other entrepreneurs, or even people you have never met! For me, I have met a lot of business owners in the food industry, and we are able to bounce ideas off each other, help with sourcing products, etc. I am so grateful for these relationships and feel they are necessary!
- Hire an accountant! Do not make the mistake of getting behind on your finances.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Life is about living, and it is too short to live a life that doesn't scare and excite you! Take the leap! Eat the cookie!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.detroitcookieco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detroitcookiecompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitcookiecompany/
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.