Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaitlin Guerin, pastry chef, and owner of Lagniappe Baking, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lagniappe Baking is an independently-run cottage bakery in New Orleans, LA. We sell assorted Pastry Boxes monthly, as well as a variety of other pop-up-related events.
Tell us about yourself
I am an artist who has navigated my art through various realms over time. I was a professional modern-contemporary dancer and found baking to be a new way to express myself creatively. I went through the Culinary Institute of America's Pastry program, which has significantly helped jump-start my career. Lagniappe Baking started in May of 2020. When I decided to turn this pandemic project into a small business, I told myself never to let it take over my life to the point of burnout. If I ever get to a place of uncertainty with the business, I always stop and re-evaluate the situation so that I'm in a comfortable position to keep moving forward. In other words, I prefer to prep and bake when I'm happy and fulfilled - no one wants sad burnout cake!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been the writeup feature in Eater New Orleans, "Behind the Artistry of Kaitlin Guerin's Lagniappe Baking Co." by Beth D'Adonno. Beth, who is now a friend and mentor, believed in me and my business in the earlier stages to put Lagniappe on the culinary map. Since January 2021, when that was released, I've received much support and great press from the community.
Runner-up accomplishment has been remodeling our lagniappe kitchen and backyard to have an official "bakehouse," We open the backyard to the community for pastry box pickups. It's a windowsill transaction (see profile picture) clever and cute and here to stay!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most difficult parts of becoming a business owner are time management and owning your own faults. I've quickly learned that I cannot do it all and to keep a close network of friends and family who can help out when needed. I am constantly working on time management and allowing extra time in my schedule to spend with family and friends.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan ahead. If you can see a future with your business, then plan for it. Plan out a budget and set goals to ensure it's feasible for you and your time.
- Utilize social media. Instagram has consistently been the platform with the most engagement and interaction for my business, and it's great to get real-time feedback from clients.
- Have fun and don't overstress! Truly easier said than done.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please share Lagniappe Baking with your local New Orleans friends and family. Though I'm unable to ship at the moment, we're working on expanding opportunities this year. Thank you for supporting this cottage bakery.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lagniappebaking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagniappebaking/
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.