Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in the food service industry, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ruby Essex, founder of Ruby Jean Patisserie, a Denver-based bakery offering cakes, French Macarons and other sweet treats.

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

Ruby Jean Patisserie is a Denver-based bespoke dessert catering company. We source our ingredients locally and organically as much as possible. Everything is measured, mixed, poured, and rolled by hand. We pride ourselves in using the finest procured ingredients, European butter, cage free eggs, and Belgian chocolate. Our products are baked without the use of artificial flavorings, preservatives, or shortening. We create hand crafted cakes, French Macarons, and cookies.

Tell us about yourself

I started the business in 2018 as a side hustle that quickly became full-time, I was able to quit my job 8 months after launching Ruby Jean Patisserie to focus on it. I went to the acclaimed French Pastry School and have had the honor and privilege to work under some of the best bakers, pastry chefs, and restaurateurs in the world. I started because I was tired of fulfilling other peoples dreams. I saw the opportunity and ran with it. There are days and seasons that are very tough, both mentally and physically however in the end its always worth it to know that I am doing what I love and pursuing my dreams and goals. I hope that I can inspire little girls everywhere to chase their dreams.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is surviving the pandemic. I honestly was so scared that it was going to cause me to quit. All of my weddings for 2020 were either postponed or cancelled and their wasn't any money coming in so I had to pivot, I took my years of experience and started offering brunch kits and home delivery just to make it work...it worked. 😊

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner has to be knowing when to turn off or slow down. I am always working, even on my "off" days. It's important to take time to recharge physically so that you can be all the things.

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

Just start! Every day do one thing that will put you closer to your dreams. You don't have to have it perfect from the beginning, you will learn as you go and if you don't know there is always someone to help.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Ruby Jean Patisserie has a lot of exciting things on the horizon and cannot wait to spread more sweet joy to our community.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rubyjeanpatisserie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubyjeanpatiesserie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyjeanpatiesserie/

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.