Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexandra Benas, owner of The Cake Boutique, located in Mullica Hill, NJ, USA.

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

The Cake Boutique is a female-owned and operated local business in the heart of Mullica Hill, NJ! We are a custom bakery that makes desserts from scratch from the highest quality ingredients. We service customers from the whole tristate area and shore towns. We love that we are able to provide cakes to clients in at least four surrounding states. Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to be able to use our creativity on a daily basis. We have made everything from a life-size dog cake wearing a topcoat and tuxedo to a police dog graduation cake and so much more. One of our favorite things is when our clients allow us to surprise them with a unique and special design for their events.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Alexandra, and I opened The Cake Boutique 10 years ago on Valentine's Day! One of my favorite stories to tell people is about how The Cake Boutique came to be. At the time, I was a recent graduate of culinary school, and believe it or not. I had no intention of opening a bakery. My family had been in the restaurant business for over 50 years, so I always thought I would take my skills to one of our diners. My father brought me to a rental property around the corner from one of our diners, not telling me why we were going. As we walked into this very old (and very dilapidated) house in the "living room," my dad turned to me. He just said, "you really can't imagine a bakery here?". It was at that exact moment I saw it. I saw The Cake Boutique; I saw our iconic pink wallpaper wall; I saw the white display cases; I saw the possibilities of what could be. We left the house that day and got to work. We worked for over a year getting the building ready for the business. And on February 14, 2012, we officially opened our bright pink front door for the very first time!

To this day, my dad's faith and encouragement motivate me each day. I just want to make him and my mom proud. To further that, two more incredible people sadly never got to see me open this business, but a piece of each of them is always with me. My father's father, Constantinos, and my mother's mother, Sophia, both passed away in 2002. My grandfather was an incredible business owner who, over his career, opened and ran over ten successful businesses. I continuously keep him in mind as I run my business. And lastly, my grandmother was one of the most incredibly talented artists I have ever personally known; I credit her for every ounce of creativity I have.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Celebrating our 10th anniversary is extra special, not only for surviving the daily challenges and constantly adapting to the changing trends, but we also survived and flourished during a pandemic!

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

For me, the hardest challenge of being a business owner is learning that you can't please everyone. When your business is your heart and soul, it personally hurts when people aren't 100% satisfied. But, once you realize some people just can't be pleased, it takes the edge off. As long as we continue to strive to be our best selves and stay true to our roots, it motivates me to keep going.

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

  1. Get yourself, "Lori," you may say what is that? Our manager, Lori, is one of the first people I hired all those years ago. To this day is still by my side- from little tasks to a sounding board- she is a great partner in crime.
  2. I think it is really important to find a niche in your community you can fill when you are thinking about opening a business. Be unique- play to the beat of your own drum.
  3. In today's world, it is so important to find a way to connect with your clients. For me, social media plays a huge part in my day-to-day tasks. It is essential to learn how to engage your customers, whether its current customers or potential new customers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One of my favorite traditions that I had started many years ago is now fondly called the surprise wedding cake. When family members or really close friends get married and ask me to make their wedding cakes, I agree on one condition; I can surprise them with the design. I know how stressful weddings can be, and I thought this is a great way to take one thing off the couple's plate. It is always so fun to see the reactions of loved ones seeing their wedding cake when they enter the venue for the first time. Those creations are by far my most favorite and special to me, and I hope the couples as well.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://the-cake-boutique-nj.myshopify.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakeboutiquenj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecakeboutiquenj/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecakebitch

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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