Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle LeMoignan, co-founder of Flirt Cupcakes, located in Edmonton, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Flirt Cupcakes opened its doors on Valentine’s Day in 2009. With the help of my business partner, certified pastry chef, Brianna Vallet, we've become a staple cake shop in the Edmonton area. Our team has grown from 2 employees to 12, and just recently we made the move to a new shop with 3x the space as our original to accommodate our growth.
Our customers come from all walks of life and are generally seeking the same thing - something to make a day, person or event feel that much more special. We pride ourselves on doing just that! From birthdays to weddings to baby showers and even just pick-me-ups, our mission has always been to bring happiness to others through cake (and other goodies). We also want to make sure no one misses out, which is why we have plenty of vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free friendly options available as well.
Tell us about yourself
I've always had a passion for entrepreneurship. Prior to opening Flirt, I ran a clothing line called Angel Venom. We mailed our clothing all around the world. I like to say, it's in my blood. My dad has run several businesses throughout his life, and my mom started her own in the last decade as well. Business is very second nature to me. To be able to combine that love with my other love, sweets, I feel so fortunate to do what I do every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is adaptability. In 13 years of business, things have changed a lot. Trends change, technology changes, and then throw in a pandemic, and you learn very quickly that nothing ever stays static. You're constantly having to try new things and take new risks. I can't say that it ever gets easier, however, each time we move forward in those situations, I look back and am proud we did so with grace.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing for me personally, is finding that work-life balance. Turning off work when you leave the shop is near impossible. Somedays, I spend my entire shift helping staff with the daily tasks and none of my "behind the scenes" work gets done. So, that's usually something that carries over into the evenings or on days off. It can be all-encompassing. I think it's important to work on setting boundaries with yourself and your business. Know your limits and don't feel guilty to take a step away when you need to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. There's no better time than now. No really, if you've been considering starting a business, determine what's holding you back and work through it. More often than not, I think the biggest thing holding people back is themselves. Fears, excuses, what if's...etc, they're all normal! It's not about avoiding them, it's about how you work through them.
2. Know your strengths (and weaknesses). You don't have to be good at it all! Make a list of your strengths. How can you use those to benefit your business? Those will be your business's biggest assets. And in the areas where you might not excel as much, how can you either work on those areas or outsource them to others?
3. Go easy on yourself. Running a business is as equally challenging as it is rewarding. There's no manual since every business and situation is unique. You're going to make mistakes, and that's okay. Commit to learning and those mistakes will serve you well.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/flirtcupcakes/
https://twitter.com/flirtcupcakes
https://www.facebook.com/flirtcupcakes
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.
