Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle "Mitchie" Curran, founder of Mitchies Munchies, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

Custom Cakes in Las Vegas, Mitchies Munchies "Artistic treats you can eat!" a custom Cake Artist voted #1 "BEST DESSERTS" in Best of Las Vegas awards. Mitchies Munchies is a fully licensed Cottage Maker, the FIRST in the city of North Las Vegas, NV. We are not your typical walk-in bakery or treat shop. I am an award-winning Cake and Sugar Artist, ranked North America's TOP TEN Cake Artist by Dessert Professional Magazine. I have competed and made multiple appearances on Food Network and The Food Channel.

I can bring it to life through an edible medium if you have a vision. Yes, I make wedding cakes. My preferred styles include eclectic, far-fetched, inner-geek, Steam Punk, fantasy, the 80's, horror, anything... unusual. Mitchies Munchies clientele includes a wide scope of locals, celebs, athletes, entertainers, and more!

Tell us about yourself

I am a self-taught cake, and sugar artist originally from Atlantic City, NJ, now based in Las Vegas, NV. My career in cake artistry has led me to compete locally, nationally, and on Food Network. I (occasionally) travel the country to perform product demos, teach cake decorating, and judge cake competitions. My truest passion is creating custom cake and sugar art for my clients, which keeps me nestled inside her Las Vegas studio.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I helped pave the way for new food entrepreneurs by supporting Nevada's Cottage Bill. Senator Aaron Ford (now Attorney General) adopted the bill. I was invited to speak to State Legislation on behalf of my fellow Nevadans as to why the bill needed to be passed into law.

On July 1, 2013, Governor Sandoval signed the bill into law. Mitchies Munchies was the first registered Cottage business in North Las Vegas, NV. This much-needed law provides an extra stepping stone for food entrepreneurs to test their market before going brick and mortar.

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

I sponsor the State of Nevada for icingsmiles.org. We create a dream and fun cake for families impacted by critical illness of a child. Those cake deliveries are filled with every emotion you have. Hospice deliveries hurt my feelings the most. I do my very best to ensure the family has an amazing day by taking their mind off of their "usual," even if just for a few moments, with cake.

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

  1. Find your niche and wow everyone.
  2. Take one day a week to serve yourself. No emails, no work. My form of self-care is taking online cake and sugar and art classes. It inspires me and creates joy.
  3. It's ok to say no. Accepting the mantra 'I do not have to do everything' will help create boundaries, reduce stress, and improve time management. For myself, creating edible art, I emotionally connect with makes for an outstanding design!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I absolutely LOVE my job. I get to play with food and make Artistic Treats You Can Eat.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.mitchiesmunchies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MitchiesMunchies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/THEEchefmitchiesmunchies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mitchies13
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchiesmunchies/

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.