Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Savannah Tillman, owner of Sunshine Baking Company, located in Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sunshine is made up of a team with a passion for delicious baked goods and a heart for those in the special needs community. We desire to see everyone's lives improved through a community mindset and good food that brings us together.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Savannah Tillman, and I am an Atlanta, GA native. I grew up there surrounded by lots of families and learned how to show genuine hospitality from my grandmother, Kay Bruce. She and my grandfather hosted countless groups of people who showed incredible love to all who came into their homes, and it was truly a privilege to watch. That's when I fell in love with the idea of using food to nurture others and meet their needs. So after high school, I went to culinary school in South Carolina, where I met my husband, an Oklahoman. After I worked as a wedding caterer in Atlanta for a few years, we got married, and I moved out to OK. We both wanted to dig in and make a difference where we lived. I got a wonderful job as the head baker of Pie Junkie, where I worked for three years, loving every minute of it.
In December of 2017, I got the itch to go for the dream of opening my own shop, so we dove into the planning. Many months later, we got our shop finalized and opened on September 14th, 2019.
Our heart behind this labor of love comes from my sweet Aunt Tiffany. I've seen her life and the struggle that comes from having disabilities, so making opportunities for people like her was a given. Owning a business provides jobs; the two just go hand in hand, and making that opportunity made perfect sense for us. We have found "our people" here in OKC and love being a part of this wonderful community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Accomplishments are viewed so personally because they are relative. For me, I'd have to say it's knowing my customers. That is one thing I am equally proud of and thankful for. We have consistent people who we truly know and live right alongside. Getting to know their families and relating to them is a daily joy, and I don't take that privilege for granted.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance. You can't separate the business from the owner. It carries into every part of your life, so maintaining a healthy balance between taking care of it and also your mental, physical and emotional well-being is so important. We prioritize family time often. We do our best to stay really well connected with our friends and church, so we are refreshed and "feed" in those mental and emotional ways.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, watch and learn. I worked in several different parts of the foodservice industry and gained so much information. There were lots of "dos" and also lots of "don'ts." Learning the don'ts can almost be more important than the dos. Let other people's mistakes or recoveries be lessons. Next, I'd suggest being really well-rounded. You need to see things from different angles and know how to do more than just one specific skill set. An owner does everything. Dishes, customer service, baking, prep, mopping floors, talking on the phone, running the register, the list goes on. The more you can do, the better you can juggle it all to be successful in each. Lastly, patience and humility. With yourself, your friends, your family, your customers, everyone. Not everyone will understand the load you carry, and that's ok. You have to trust yourself, use sound counsel, and move forward. There are constant decisions to be made, and patience is key. Use the knowledge and any experience you've gained, run it by someone you trust, pray it over and go for it. Again, no one else may walk in your shoes but don't let their misunderstanding shake you. Your business is your business, so guide it in the next best way you see fit. It is a flexible thing, so be ready and willing to move right along with it with grace.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sunshinebakingco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshinebakingcompanyokc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinebakingco_okc/
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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