Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sianni Dean, owner of Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Cranky Granny's, we bring family and friends together to reminisce on old memories while creating new ones over a variety of sweet rolls made from scratch and freshly baked daily. We have vegan options too. Luckily we have customers nationwide, being that we have shipping available and we moved our business from New Jersey to Texas. Our customers are dessert lovers. Pastry lovers. People who enjoy fresh baked rich, and fluffy desserts.
Tell us about yourself
When I was 15 years old, I had dreams that one day Cranky Granny's would be the thing that provides for my livelihood and others. That one day, I would have a store, and we would have a household name. We would bring family and friends together for joyous times over a variety of freshly baked sweet rolls. Years later, that actually became my reality. I opened my first store at 22 years old, and it was a major success. We had people driving hours from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other areas of Texas and even other states to enjoy Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls. We had seating inside and out, so I was able to actually witness friends and families coming together and having joyous times. Reminded me of when I used to go to granny's house for gatherings where there would be laughter and many happy moments made, from joking to the gift exchange. The inspiration behind my business is my granny and wanting to recreate those same moments I used to have in her house all those years ago back in Philadelphia.
What motivates me to keep going are my nieces and nephews, my customers, my team, and the long-term goals I have for the business. My nieces and nephews are always so proud to tell people, "my aunt is the owner of Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls," as they go to their phones to show their friends in school or teachers. They have seen me go from starting my business out of my parent's house in NJ to transitioning to an apartment to moving 1700 miles away to Texas and running the business out of someone else's restaurant to opening my first store. They have seen what the real definition is of growing something from the ground up and knowing that nothing can get in their way but themselves if they don't try. When our customers already think that we are a franchise, it makes me super happy because that's been my long-term goal since 15 years old. We don't have multiple locations yet, but we are well on our way, so the fact that they see we have the potential adds a cherry on top of my day anyway. My team and I have been through some trials with having to relocate, which has made things a bit difficult, but they are so passionate about the brand and how far everything will go that they have held on to the ride because they see the big picture which is super important to have a team that is just as passionate as you are. There are times when I wake up, and I just don't want to do it anymore. But regardless, I still get and have been for the last eight years to do what needs to be done for the business. I keep in mind the goals we have and remember that if this was going to be easy. Everyone would be doing it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening Cranky Granny's first store at 22 years old and it being successful was my biggest accomplishment as a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Sacrificing time with family, friends, and even yourself. I would love to spend more time with family, friends, and even myself to create new memories, the exact reason I started Cranky Granny's, but while we are still in the early phases, it causes me to be away from them, which really sucks but luckily I have family and friends that understand that if I could be there, I would be there.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Prioritize your time for personal and business and whatever else you want to fit in between.
- Do your market research. Don't jump in blindly. Know what it is you are selling, who you are selling to, etc.
- Keep track of your numbers from the very beginning. Get in a good habit of having your numbers together. Don't start when you are already making 5, 6, or 7 figures. Start when you are making 2, 3, or 4 figures too.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://crankygrannys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRANKYGRANNYS/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crankygrannys/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crankygrannys
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cranky-granny-s-sweet-rolls/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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