Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gracie Santos, founder of grayseas pies, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
grayseas pies is a pop-up pie business. I create homemade pies and pop up around the Seattle area and collaborate with other small business owners to highlight other creators and other venues whose values align with mine. I also raise donations for causes and organizations that I believe in. I make my pies for people who love sweet and also savory pies. These pies are for me to connect with you and for you to connect with each other.
Tell us about yourself
I first got involved with baking when the lockdown of 2020 was out in place. I originally started baking for friends and family to keep personal connections alive, and that wanting to maintain relationships has never changed. The people around me and the ingredients and produce I am exposed to are what motivates me. I got a lot of ideas from family and friends of mine and also people that I have recently met. I am a sponge and love to bring ideas to fruition, especially in pie form.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making the decision to develop my newly found passion into a business. With the support of my community, I was able to become a business owner, which is something I never thought would happen.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner for me is swallowing the fact that people in my life do not actually support me. People who say that they uphold bayanihan (community) so dear will actually go out of their way to see that you do not succeed. The best thing to come out of this is learning mental strength and having the determination to set out to do what I want to do and what I feel is right.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not be afraid. Make sure to do all that is required to ensure you can do what it is that you want to do. Let go of that fear.
- Make lists. Always make lists for what you have to do each day, each week, each month - whatever works for you. And keep in mind that these lists are forever changing with each passing moment. Learn to work with the flow of your own pace and time.
- Find the love and joy in everything you do for your business because why are you even doing it without the love and joy?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.grayseaspies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grayseaspies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayseas.pies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grayseas_pies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grayseas/
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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