Cocoa Bakery - Jessica Isaacs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Isaacs, owner and pastry chef of Cocoa Bakery, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.

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

Cocoa Bakery is a bakery and cafe serving the people of Jersey City for the past 10 years. Our customers are people that appreciate a well-made pastry or cake made with quality ingredients by skilled bakers.

Tell us about yourself

I went to school for fashion and immediately realized that it wasn't for me when I got into the industry. So, I realized I wasn't done with a creative career and went back to school for Pastry Arts, and that's been my passion ever since. After several years as the Head Pastry Chef at Michelin-starred Nobu, I realized that I wanted to work for myself and worked at that for years. And now we have two locations of Cocoa Bakery.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

So many choices, we survived a flood with water 6 feet deep, several crazy landlords, the great recession in 2008, and now a pandemic. Take your pick.

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

It's not really true that you are your own boss. You have many mini-bosses, like customers, landlords, health inspectors, and even employees.

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

First, save more money. It will always cost more and take longer than you think. Second, realize that no one is coming to help you, and you better learn to take the hits as they come, get up and keep going. And third, no one cares about your problems.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

This is the hardest thing I have ever done and really hasn't gotten easier with time. But I don't think I could have done anything else.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cocoabakerycafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cocoa-Bakery-206061389469314
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoabakeryjc/

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.