Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Dimbo, founder of Nana Bakes LLC., located in Pelham, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Nana Bakes is known for gourmet cake & brownie jars that are made by hand. We make 27 different flavors of brownie jars (just as many cake jars, too), each with its own unique name. We also make a variety of cookies, pound cakes, & cheesecake! We cater to everyday people who love a grab-and-go dessert, small personal events like weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, corporate events for a wonderful treats table. We are unique in what we do because of the passion behind each and every jar; they are made with love and care so that the person receiving it can truly enjoy a little lining from Nana’s oven…
Tell us about yourself
Nana Bakes started in my home kitchen and was inspired by my first granddaughter MacKenzie. It all started with her. I have always been a baker, but when she was old enough to help me, it became our thing to do together and grew into not just cooking for the family but for friends as well. That’s when my daughter gave it a name, and MacKenzie became the face of Nan Bakes. In 2017 I filed for my LLC and continued to work full time and bake. I finally decided that when my son graduated, I would leave my job and pursue Nana Bakes full time. I left a little earlier than anticipated in November, the day before Thanksgiving. Knowing that my family supports me 100% and the smiles, encouragement, acknowledgment, and downright happy faces of my customers makes it all worth it…
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date would be seeing Nana Bakes in actual retail stores in my community. We now have ten locations through our Jefferson & Shelby County!!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You work on someone’s else job, and you are on their time, you go home, and you can shut it off, but then you start your own business, and all your time goes into your business…there is no off switch because it’s always on your mind…so not having an off switch is the hardest part about having your own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research your craft so that you have as much information as possible before taking the leap. Knowledge is POWER…Network, network, network!! I can’t stress it enough. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Ask clarifying questions and seek understanding.
- Trust the process…there will be ups and downs, but stay the course and remain focused. Remind yourself of why you started and set goals for things that you want to achieve.
- Don’t be afraid of being different…trends fade but classic is forever…
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://alittlelovinfromnanasoven.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanabakes.jd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nanabakes/
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.
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