Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Theresa Rubio, owner, and manager of Grandma's Cookies, located in Saint Charles, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Grandma's Cookies is a small, family-owned bakery that was established in 1976 by my grandmother Charlotte. For over four and a half decades, we have placed smiles on our customers' faces with our hand-made confections. Each cookie begins the day with flour, eggs, and sugar. We specialize in traditional cookie flavors but also offer numerous other flavor combinations that are sure to tempt your senses!
Tell us about yourself
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of leaving Borromeo after school, rushing to the shop, and help make and sell cookies until the shop closed for the day. The time spent with family was precious, and the joy we gave customers made an impression on me. When Grandma Charlotte decided it was time to move on, I jumped at the opportunity to take over. I am proud to continue in the traditions of my family!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am most proud of growing the shop to what it has become today. Grandma's Cookies was originally a dress shop. Grandma Charlotte made cookies to keep the kids of her customers quiet so that they could shop longer. Soon customers were coming in more for the cookies than for dresses, and the shop was born. Since taking the reigns, Grandma's Cookies has grown by leaps and bounds....from a shop operated by one person daily to a shop employing over 30 personnel.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is separating friendship from business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, you must understand that your business is your baby. You have to love and care for it daily, and you must understand that no one will ever love it the way that you do. Second, trust your employees to do their job but also be present as much as possible. The moment you think that others can do the work for you is the moment that quality will begin to drop. Finally, remember why you opened shop in the first place. Owning a business is time-consuming, and you may want to quit to pursue other endeavors. Learn to balance your business life and your personal life so that both bloom.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://grandmascookiesonmain.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grandmas-Cookies-230919796980455/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmascookiesonmain/
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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