Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Guerra, Co-Founder of Sweet Clementine LLC, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

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

We create artistic custom and wedding cakes. We focus on creating an edible piece of art that not only looks good but tastes delicious. We want to be remembered in every bite and make any celebration a one to be remembered with a statement cake. Our approach is for our customers to have a delicious cake and a design that will be meaningful for the celebration. It can be for a three-year-old who loves Paw Patrol whose face will turn into a big smile and excitement, for a young person who wants to have a fun cake for a special celebration or a couple that can't wait to be married and want a delicious piece of cake while celebrating their happy day.

Tell us about yourself

Sweet Clementine started long ago in Venezuela in the 90s with my mom, Clemen Machado, and her best friend, making cakes for my sibling's birthdays. We moved to Spain, and she started working as a Pastry chef, making fondant cakes in a local shop. She had the opportunity to instruct masterclasses to different hotels in Tenerife for their pastry chefs to show them how to work with fondant. After 20 years of living in Spain, we decided to move here, our new home. I started working with her once we moved here with social media, and sometimes, I would help her in the kitchen. I started liking it more and more and became very proud and happy to work with her. From a taste, visual, and creative standpoint, I believe our cakes could provide customers with a new and refreshed idea of the cake business. It was in 2020 when I decided to create and start Sweet Clementine LLC. Now here we are! Side by side. We couldn't have had a better partner than having each other side by side in this new adventure.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As immigrants, our biggest accomplishment has been to start this business. To be able to put all fears behind us and move forward to create this brand.

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

The pressure to have everything under control and find the balance of being the boss but also the person behind social media, production, and customer service.

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

  1. Believe in what you do and have a specific idea when it comes to opening a new business.
  2. Have a strong support system that lifts you and can be by your side when you start having all those negative thoughts and pressure. They will be the ones to have a clear and different perspective.
  3. Enjoy the ride. It's hard sometimes, but just enjoy it and make everyone know that this is your happiness and passion.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Support small businesses. We are passionate people with many dreams and talents who need to be lifted and supported when the product they offer is excellent. My mom and I will continue to create happiness through Sweet Clementine because we love this, believe in ourselves and what we do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sweet-clementine-llc.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetclementinecakes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetclementinecm/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.