Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sierra Jenkins, owner of Sierra's Sprinkled Sweets, located in Greensburg, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create edible art! My products range from cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cocoa bombs, and cookies (by far my best seller and most popular). When returning and potential customers come to me specifically to serve them, it's truly heartwarming, and I am beyond grateful.
Tell us about yourself
What started as a hobby baking for my children's birthdays quickly turned into a business. A business where I am able to turn customers' ideas and images into a reality. Being given these opportunities to have my treats at customer's events is so special to me. I love getting messages and photos of my creations at birthdays, weddings, etc. It's a great feeling when I am packing up an order, taking a million photos of what I just created, and being so happy with my designs. It's an even better feeling when my customers reach out to me to tell me how beautiful they think it is or how delicious they thought everything was! That is what keeps me going. That is what makes me proud.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been my customer growth. The more I do this business that I love. It's continually given me opportunity after opportunity to really engage my artistic abilities and allow me to become better each and every time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Turning customers away! I've finally learned that I cannot do it all, unfortunately. I used to majorly overbook myself, telling myself that more customers mean more word of mouth, etc. While this may be true to an extent, it just wasn't worth making the extra buck and carrying around the additional stress. I've finally buckled down and learned how much myself and my business could handle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My business is still growing every day, and I am still learning and growing with it. I'd say first, if you love something enough and are passionate about something to want to make it into a business, do it. The passion behind it will help you every step of the way. Second, know your limits, but keep practicing. As my daughter always tells me, practice makes progress. It doesn't make perfect. I, for one, have turned people away, sadly, because I knew where my skill levels were. I would never want to say I could create something for someone who understood my skill level wasn't there yet and basically failed them. I'm happy to say that I've grown immensely in this business over two years in this talent! Lastly, in a business of your own, love what you do. I think once the passion dies away, the company will too. Every time a customer reaches out to me, I ask them their vision. I do everything I can to add to their vision and ideas. I break down all points of creativity. I ask, what's your theme? Color scheme? I send them photo ideas and ask if they have any to send me. Once I get an idea, I get out my sketchbook and draw out every cookie I will create and design! I hope this passion of mine never goes away because I truly love being able to add a bit of happiness to their special event!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This business of mine that I am beyond proud of actually is just part-time for me. I am a full-time law enforcement officer. Currently, this works for me. Having a full-time job and a steady part-time business of my own is a perfect balance! I hope anyone who reads this with an idea or passion goes out there and makes it come to life! Never stop doing what makes you happy.
Where can people find you and your business?
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/sierrassprinkledsweets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierrassprinkledsweets/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrassprinkledsweets/
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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