Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laurie Symbaluk, founder of The Cake Whisperer, located in Alberta, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the owner and designer of a cake business called: "The Cake Whisperer." I make all your special cake wishes come true. Anything from a baby shower, birthday, anniversary, and everything in between. I have clients of all ages from all over St. Albert and the surrounding area. Supporting a solo business in these crazy times and beyond is the way of the future, in my opinion. People want that one on one experience rather than a huge corporation where you are just another number. I take the time to get to know my clients and their needs for a unique cake. I have become great friends with many of my clients, which is a great feeling.
Tell us about yourself
I first started making cakes for family and friends. After several years everyone kept suggesting that I open my own business. Five years later, I did just that and haven't looked back since. It has been a wonderful job. Every day is different, and every order is unique. What motivates me the most is to see the smile on my client's faces when I deliver them their unique cake. Having them say, "I couldn't possibly cut this cake" "Is this real?" is the best compliment I could receive. I take such pride in my work and always go the extra mile to give them the very best cake. One that they will remember for a very long time. I use only the freshest ingredients, and all my cakes are made to order. Nothing from the freezer or made ahead of time!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment as a one-person business owner is having returning clients. Having my customers pass on my business card and telling me that the cake was above all expectations that they had.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner has been during COVID-19. Not being able to meet with clients in person. I am a social butterfly, and I've had to adapt to online video meetings. It's been a rough two years, but things are starting to look up, and I am getting several orders coming in each month. What better way to gather again than to celebrate with cake!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Tips I'd give to anyone looking to start a business: Do your homework. Be prepared to make a business plan. Stick with what you know. Remember to share your business with everyone! You can never share enough. Find a platform and work it thru. It takes long hours and a great deal of work, but it is worth it. This is certainly not a 9-5 job.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Sharing my cakes with the general public has been a dream come true. I am self-taught, and I continue to hone my skills every day. I am always growing as a business owner. This has been a wonderful career choice for me, and I can't imagine doing anything else. The best is yet to come!
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecakewhisperer-laurie-symbaluk/
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.symbaluk
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.