Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Travis Mitchel, Founder of Sweet Soiree, located in Pflugerville, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is baking, specializing in cookies and pies. What's special about the treats I make is the slight twist on something traditional. Like my Chocolate Chunk Cookie finished off with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt and the Sweet Potato Pie that has a graham cracker crust with marshmallow meringue topping. My customers like a traditional treat with an unexpected yet pleasant surprise.
Tell us about yourself
I started baking 14 years ago for my family, and as time went on, I just wanted to learn how to bake. It became a creative outlet during a difficult time in my life. The chocolate chunk cookie, which is my best seller, came about from the concept of recreating a cookie I had from a vendor's wife; however, I wanted to put my own spin on it. Over the years, I've worked on the recipe, making adjustments as I learned new techniques and what I envisioned the cookie to taste and feel like. At the time, I was figuring out what to do with my passions/gifts. A good friend encouraged me to do what was in front of me; at that time, it was baking.
With the positive feedback I received from others, I took the leap to set up my baking business in 2020, but I did not really hit the pavement until August of 2021, selling at local markets. Since then, I've been blessed by the response. What motivates me is how much fun I have selling at the markets and seeing the reaction on people's faces. How excited they get about something they had as a kid, and it tastes good to them. It's work, but the enjoyment others experience is joyful for them and me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to sell products I've worked on for years and my customers being so excited to eat them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is getting outside my comfort zone and staying consistent.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just start with what's in front of you, Be consistent, it's okay to pivot or do something else if you don't like it or it doesn't work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sweetsoireenow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetsoireenow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsoireenow/
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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