Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shelby Olstad, founder of Miggy's Bakes, located in Madison, WI.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Miggy's Bakes is a bakery that makes you want to come back for more after every bite you take. Anyone with a sweet tooth (and anyone who claims they don't have one - I see you) is a customer, and I love serving them items that leave them speechless.
Tell us about yourself
I started Miggy's Bakes as a senior in college at UW-Madison, studying economics and entrepreneurship. I've always had a passion for baking and was continually getting asked to bake for friends and family, so I turned my passion into a fun side job. Never did I think it would be my full-time job when I was starting off. Whenever I hear a positive review or am really happy with something I created, I'm more motivated than ever. It's a constant cycle, and I will never get tired of baking for other people and seeing how excited they get to eat Miggy's!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the growth of the business in 2021 is my biggest accomplishment. So far ;) I was working full time at another job until April 2021, then didn't start baking full time in my own kitchen until July 2021. From there, Miggy's grew from just me to a team of 6 employees.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are new challenges every single day, and you are responsible for solving every one. There's no training guide to running your own business, so when you are stuck with a problem, you have to figure it out. Everything falls on you at the end of the day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Start NOW! Don't spend any more time waiting and wondering what if. Nothing is a failure because you will learn from it moving forward.
2) Find "coworkers." I found a community of other small business owners that I can go to with questions or support. We call each other coworkers and help each other out all of the time.
3) Have an idea of where you ultimately want to go. From day 1 of my business, I had dreams that have remained the same today. Keeping a bigger picture in the back of your mind helps keep you motivated and gives you something to work towards.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/miggysbakes/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-olstad-a26836141/
https://www.facebook.com/miggysbakes
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.
