Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Georgette Dehaney, co-founder of Georgie Porgie Cakes & Gifts, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

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

Georgie Porgie Cakes is an online dessert boutique providing freshly made, never frozen custom cakes and desserts just for YOU! We create edible art for any size event and celebration milestone that requires a good-looking and great-tasting dessert or showpiece.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business way back in 2004 with custom-made party loot bags for children's parties. My sons were little ones then and attended many birthday parties. If I had to step on one more plastic trinket toy or pick up one more candy wrapper from the backseat of my car, I was gonna scream! LOL, I thought parents could get more for their money with well-thought-out, age-appropriate bags. The business idea came from the desire to make party loot bags more fun, educational, and not focused on candy. Georgie Porgie Loot Bags & Gifts was created. We quickly grew and had our loot bags at many parties and in many indoor playgrounds. Five years later, and with many inquiries, we expanded and added cakes to our lineup. Cue Momma GP (my mom), she baked all my life, and I knew the cake would taste amazing. We just needed to teach ourselves how to make them beautiful. We took one course, and the rest is history. Georgie Porgie Cakes was born. We retired the loot bags and now focus on cakes and desserts full time. My daily motivation used to be to keep a roof over my kid's head and food on the table. While that is still the case somewhat, I am more motivated to help my clients create a memorable celebration by bringing their vision to life in edible form through the cake. Hearing feedback, seeing the smiles, and being a part of their memories is an amazing feeling, and spreading joy is great motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that we are still running a successful business full-time 13 years later. I would have never thought that being laid off from my corporate job during a mini-recession would have made me dig deep to bring my self-taught "side hustle" full-time and still creating and delivering works of art to many in the Greater Toronto Area.

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

Besides managing and juggling the day-to-day aspects of operating a business, I would put client retention on the top of the list. Without customers, there is no business. So we need to do our best to stay top of mind, provide the best customer relations, continue making great-tasting cakes that are talked about, which bring in referrals. Always, always going above and beyond in any way we can.

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

First: make a plan, know your WHY, then get your vision, goals, and values down on paper so you know what you are working towards and for.
Second: know who you want your customers to be. You can sell to everyone, but not everyone is your customer.
Third: Seek guidance, a mentor, coach, continue to learn and educate yourself on business and your profession, and be willing to make a change or shift when the time is right.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Two things, I now coach and mentor home-based cake and treat makers to share my knowledge and experiences with pricing, marketing, and creative mojo. And I always say, "Keep It Moving, Sweetie" don't get stuck in the bubble of what everyone else is doing. Focus on what you can do to move you closer to your goals and dreams.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://georgieporgie.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiePorgieCreations/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/georgieporgiecakesgifts/
https://www.instagram.com/cakedoutcoach/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgette-dehaney-7984a627/

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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