Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Vasquez, Founder of Sugar Beez, located in Lake in the Hills, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make custom sugar cookies! Our customers are anyone and everyone who loves cookies!
Tell us about yourself
I am a mother of 5 girls who started this custom cookie business in 2008, when my cookies were the talk of the classroom birthday parties. What began as making cookies for my kids' friends has turned into a passion I never expected. My kids motivate me to do what I do each day. My daughter helps with large orders, and my second daughter helps with emails and social media daily. Indeed a family business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was being on Bake it like Buddy with my eldest daughter. I was so grateful for the opportunity to take this adventure with my daughter. And to win was the cherry on top!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me is bookkeeping and time management! I’m great at cookies. Not so great at the back end part of the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get organized early! Get your ducks in a row before there are too many to keep up with.
- Get a good marketing strategy in place. Starting is hard, and word of mouth is excellent. But after that wears off, you need to invest in marketing.
- Communication is critical—communication with the customer and your employees. Keep everyone informed on what’s happening, what to expect, and even mistakes. No one likes to be kept in the dark.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sugarbeez.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarbeezcookies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugar_beez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sugarbeez/
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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