Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Niallah Cooper-Scruggs, owner, and pastry chef of Sugar Queen Bakery, located in North Miami, FL, USA.

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

My name is Niallah Cooper-Scruggs, and I am the Owner and Pastry Chef of Sugar Queen Bakery, where I create artisanal cupcakes, cookies, and confections with your day in mind. I started this business because I felt there was a need for cupcakes that weren't just too pretty to eat. They tasted even better! I believe in supporting my local community, and in doing so, I showcase local diverse businesses and suppliers to provide ingredients for my bakery business. I first began this business in Seattle, Washington, where I won a pitch presentation called Sharks at the Beach, which helped really launch my business. I am so thankful to Urban Impact and B.J. Stewart, and of course, my family for believing and supporting me. I wouldn't be here without them and God, for they have been so influential in my business journey! After realizing the urge to move closer to family, I decided to move to South Florida and currently serve customers all over the area and run the cottage food bakery in North Miami!

Tell us about yourself

I first started this business after working in a restaurant job I disliked and was constantly undermined. I felt it was finally my time to shine after working in the industry for almost ten years. So I applied to graduate school at Antioch University in Seattle and was accepted! I told myself that I would take the next two years to truly focus on what I wanted to do and accomplish for myself. And I had the support of my family and friends who always would tell me, " Niallah, you NEED to sell these cupcakes! They are not only beautiful but DELICIOUS!" It was my mom who helped me pick the name for Sugar Queen Bakery and my family who truly inspired me to continue working towards my business and goals. My mom taught me my first cream cheese frosting recipe, and ever since then, I have not been able to stop baking! She also taught me the first steps of running my business, like costing out all my recipes, and she even taste-tested my beginning recipes. I am thankful for her honesty, and I believe that without her critiques, my business would not be where it currently is. Food is a powerful tool used to connect us, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to connect others through locally sourced and artistically made desserts and confections.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest business accomplishment as a business owner is being able to say that I am still in business! Maybe I am thinking small, but I am so thankful, especially in these times, that my business is still thriving and moving forward. I am immensely thankful to have the support of my family, friends, mentors, and supporters who truly motivate me to continue pursuing this business. It is the best feeling knowing someone enjoyed the sweets I specially designed for them!

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

I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that in the beginning, managing your time is SO important. Many of my mentors have told me, "You do not just want to work in your business. You want to work ON your business!" By this, they meant that it's important to do the daily tasks of working in the business, but it's also very integral to a business's success to work in the industry such as marketing ideas or trying to attract new clientele.

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

  1. Find a mentor you trust who has done what you are trying to accomplish. Make sure they are someone that you know will push you and encourage you when you sometimes get frustrated or overwhelmed in your business.
  2. Don't give up! Even when the going gets tough and maybe you don't see results as fast as you thought, you would remember that most successful people had heard many "no's" before they got their success story. Don't give up on your dream!
  3. Network! Try to find free business events or even start-up programs that may help give you more information about running a business. Use LinkedIn and social media to your advantage! Connect with other small businesses and find out ways you can support them, and I am sure they would be happy to do the same for you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you to Subkit for featuring my small business, Sugar Queen Bakery. I am so excited about pursuing my baking business in Florida and cannot wait to see what God has in store next!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thesugarqueenbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesugarqueenartisanbakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarqueenartisanbakery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niallahcooperscruggs/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.