Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mirla Jackson, owner of It Started With A Cupcake, located in Lyndhurst, NJ, USA.

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

We are a woman-run luxury cake and sweets studio located in Lyndhurst, NJ. Great tasting and imaginative desserts are the driving force behind It Started with a Cupcake. We find the fusion of flavors inspiring. We love being able to showcase all the things amazing about different cultures and desserts. To us, inclusion and diversity is the main goal. Our customers are anyone looking for a unique luxury wedding cake.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been interested in art and food. In college, I studied Fine Art. It was in 2006 when I got the opportunity to travel and live in Tokyo that really changed the course of my life. The food culture and art are so inspiring. I visited so many amazing bakeries and restaurants and just fell in love all with culinary arts. When I returned to the US, I took some time working in different fields but ultimately decided to return to school and get my culinary degree. I started my company back in 2010 doing farmers' markets and selling cakes through word of mouth out. Eventually, we saved enough money to open our first brick-and-mortar shop. What motivates me to keep doing what I do is my passion for art and food. I love being able to. Combine these two passions to create something meaningful for our customers on their special day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to grow my brand organically through hard work and word-of-mouth referrals. We put a lot of thought into every design and flavor profile. I'm really proud to be known for beautiful cakes and pastries made with quality ingredients and a high-end experience.

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

I think that when you first start a business, you think it's going to be a certain way. Then you come face to face with all the day-to-day minutiae, like emails, inventory, bookkeeping, social media, and managing a staff. I think the hardest thing for me has been juggling all these roles and balancing my personal life. I had to level up my time management and leadership skills.

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

  1. Don't be afraid to pivot. Try new things, and don't be afraid to evolve your brand and your business. Sometimes what you thought was the vision turns out to be different in reality. You may have to go to the drawing board, strategize and change what isn't working.
  2. Invest in yourself. Never stop learning. Invest time and whatever money you can to improve as a business owner every day, whether reading business and self-improvement books, Listening to podcasts, or investing in classes/workshops. There's always more to learn, and all the skills you acquire will help you improve in business and life.
  3. Outsource what you can. Time is the most valuable resource you have. Protect it and use it wisely, whether freelance help, meal prep service, or automation. If it will save you time and you can afford it? Go for it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Believe in yourself and understand that entrepreneurship is tough. Success may not always look like you imagined. But, even if you don't have all the answers right now, if you keep trying new things and investing in yourself, the journey itself will make you a better person.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.itstartedwithacupcake.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startedwithacupcake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstartedwithacupcake/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirla-jackson-487637133/

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.