Ready for Your Custom Cakes Needs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Savaglio, Owner of Sqweet Things, located in Etobicoke, ON, CA.

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

Sqweet Things is a small business that offers custom cakes, baked goods, and specialty treats. I started the business as my solo career and have had my mom's help throughout the journey, which I could not be more grateful for.

Sqweet Things began in January of 2021, originally catering to family members and close friends as I was just starting out and figuring out the lay of the land. However, soon after that, I was getting messages from people around my area and friends of friends who had heard about me and wanted to place an order. Within a few months, I got a couple of weekly orders and could not be happier.

Starting my business, I knew I wanted to focus on custom cakes. The joy that radiates from someone who receives a cake that is curated to their interests and liking for a special occasion is unlike anything else. Being able to help bring a little bit of that joy to life through a custom cake is what inspires me every day.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business journey in January of 2021; however, it did take me a while to realize that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I graduated high school in 2020 and entered a University Media program. A couple of months into it, I knew it was not for me; I couldn't see myself studying and enjoying this subject.

Part of me always knew I was meant to work with my hands and find a job that was none stop. So after some serious thinking, I decided it was finally time to follow my dreams and go into the culinary field. I enrolled at George Brown College for Baking and Pastry Arts for the September 2021 term; however, being fresh out of University in January. I knew I needed to find something to do for the next nine months. This was when I started Sqweet Things; I figured I could grow and practice my skills over the next nine months to prepare for school. Even though I started my business journey in January of 2021, my passion for baking and decorating began way before then. I grew up spending time with my nonnas (grandmother) in the kitchen. They were always cooking or baking something, and I would be right by their side through it all. From helping sift the flour to rolling out the cookie dough, my nonna was always happy to have me in the kitchen. Growing up in a house where everyone has a love and passion for the kitchen has inspired me all these years.

My parents are my biggest motivators; they have been supportive from when I decided I wanted to switch programs to now, when my business is busiest. My father is my number one fan, critique, and taste tester, and my mother, who is not only my number one fan but also is always helping me whenever I need, I could not be more grateful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is expanding my business beyond family and friends. Over the past year and a half, I have been able to fulfill orders for people all around my area, from old elementary and high school teachers to people who found me through Instagram and Facebook. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been presented through social media and word of mouth.

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

One of the hardest things I find is not being able to accept every inquiry I receive. Running my business by myself with my mom's help, I can only take so many orders in a day. I wish I could help everyone who reaches out, but I know it is important to limit myself and focus on the orders I do have. Even though I do find it challenging, it has taught me to pace myself and learn that sometimes less is more. When working on these orders, most of them are custom, so giving myself more time to work on them has helped me improve my skills.

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

One of my top tips would be to have confidence in yourself. I find the confidence to be one of the key motivators when it comes to running a business. Be confident in your work, your brand, and who you are. It is also important to stay true to yourself; you start a business with a goal in mind. Whether the goal is to make a certain number of sales or to grow enough to one day open your shop. For myself, my main goal is to one day open my own bakery; this goal is what helps me focus and what helps me stay true to myself and my business. Lastly, it is to put yourself out there. I am extremely introverted, so the whole talking and networking part of the business was not something I was ready to jump right into. However, the small business community I am so gratefully a part of has been nothing but kind and welcoming. I have created incredible connections with other small businesses and business supporters.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sqweet.things/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqweet.things/

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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