Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Petersen (Mohr), founder, and CEO of Nine Times Bakery, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Nine Times is a Chicago-based dessert brand creating premium, gluten-free, dairy-free treats. We're all about bringing people back together around food, so we make sure our products are so good anyone can enjoy them regardless of dietary restrictions. Our customers are people with gluten/dairy dietary restrictions, plus all their loved ones that they share dessert with! Most of our revenue comes from people gifting Nine Times to others.
Tell us about yourself
I developed gluten and lactose intolerance about ten years ago, and I immediately felt isolated from my loved ones around meals. Let's face it, for the past ten years, the gluten-free products on the market haven't exactly inspired people to go gluten-free if they don't absolutely have to. So I started creating my own gluten-free, dairy-free versions of my favorite dessert recipes and sharing them with loved ones. They were a hit! That was how Nine Times started.
What I love about Nine Times are the unsolicited emails and calls we get from customers. These treats really make their day and help them feel seen! It's a wonderful way for people to connect over distances, especially during a pandemic.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our reach has expanded from Chicago to every part of the United States. We consistently ship to New York, California, Texas, Florida, and more! It's exciting to know that our impact can reach beyond our geographic footprint.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This is by far the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. I would say the most challenging thing is prioritizing. Within a day, I need to be an accountant, marketer, customer service, brand ambassador, sales rep, etc. All of those parts of the business need a lot of time and attention. It can be difficult to make sure I stay on the highest impact work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- From my mentor, Bill Skeens, "Do what you do best and outsource the rest."
- Take time for yourself. It is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting to run a business, so take time to recharge, be with loved ones, and recenter yourself.
- Have fun! Again, running a business is hard work. If you're not having fun with it, it's probably not the right thing for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ninetimesbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NineTimesBakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninetimesbakery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ninetimesbakery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-petersen-mohr-60800047/
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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