Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Dumas, CEO, and founder of SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Southern-inspired restaurant that specializes in crafted brunch with a home feel. My establishment also includes SugarJam Bakeshop, a small batch from the scratch bakery, as well as a bar. My demographic is "everyone" - my restaurant is about inclusion!
Tell us about yourself
I started ten years ago at the Phoenix Public Market selling my Jam filled sugar cookies. Known as SugarJam Cookies, LLC. In September 2014, I opened my first Brick N Mortar in the Scottsdale Airpark known as SugarJam Bakeshop & Bistro. In November 2014, I launched my Bakery trailer of the same name. By January 29, 2021, I opened my next vision - SugarJam The Southern Kitchen. The Southern Kitchen combines the restaurant, bakery, and bar.
I am a mother of Twin Boys, and they motivate me to keep showing them what possibilities can be accomplished by working hard and having passion, determination, and innovation to achieve whatever you dream. You have to work through the rough patches and learn how to pivot to stay in this business! Don't settle when things get good; keep innovating to push yourself further.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments as a Black-owned and female-owned business is that I have also built a SugarJam Family consisting of staff members and loyal customers. My customers have journeyed from the Street Events to SugarJam Bakeshop & Bistro as well as The Southern Kitchen. I am the only Black-Owned Business (5,000 Sq Ft+ restaurant and bakery) in North Scottsdale.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things being a business owner is how many diversified hats you need to master to grow your business and keep you relevant. Delegation is something that is necessary as a business owner; being overwhelmed happens often and delegating responsibilities is a must to grow the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting a business, have a plan, do market research, start small, make sure you find resources to help you along the way. Believe in what you are doing so that others believe in you and the product(s) or services. Be accountable for the good and the bad! Know your numbers!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You must have Passion, Determination, Knowledge, The Ability to be Flexible and surround yourself with positive individuals who are passionate about what they do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sjsouthernkitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarJamTheSouthernKitchen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarjam1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sugarjamtsk
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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