Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Nicholson, owner of The Flour Girl Bakery, LLC, located in Hebron, CT, USA.

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

The Flour Girl Bakery and Cafe are small businesses in Hebron, CT. The bakery specializes in artisan wild yeast sourdough bread along with delicious baked goods. The cafe offers locally roasted coffee and specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Tell us about yourself

I started The Flour Girl when I wanted to learn how to make sourdough bread during the summer of 2019. What began as a hobby rapidly grew into the businesses we have today. I love everything we do and the products we produce, but our involvement in our community is my favorite part of who we are. Our slogan is "Bake the world a better place," and I believe we try to do that every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My staff. I am so proud of the business we have built, and I am thrilled with the success and growth we have had. Truly nothing gives me more pride than the staff I have surrounding me. Four years ago, I was baking bread in my house and selling it off my front porch a loaf at a time. Now I have a staff of almost 40 people working for me, and they work together like a well-oiled machine. They work so hard for my dream, and building that team is my greatest accomplishment so far.

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

Balance. I own two small businesses now and am opening a third. Four years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom. Learning to balance my new life and home life has been extremely challenging. It is a work in progress and something I expect I will need to work at for many years to come.

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

  1. Plan for the smallest possible outcome and prepare for the largest possible outcome. Every time I ended up in trouble, it was because I was thinking too small and underestimating myself and my business. Every time I shoot for the moon, I usually find myself just a little bit further.
  2. Believe in your staff, and they will believe in you back. I just recently promoted a senior in high school to a full-time baking position. She has been learning from me since she was 15 years old. I have given her room to be creative and to make her own mistakes. I have supported her ideas and given her guidance to achieve them. Giving the people around you the confidence to achieve will pay you back in loyalty time 1000.
  3. Learn to let it go. You can't make everyone happy. You can't get every order right. You can't prevent mistakes from happening or accidents from occurring. It will happen. When it does, take a breath, take a walk, take a minute, and regroup. Answer the review with kindness and understanding, help the employee who screwed up start the recipe over, jump on the line, the register, or the dish pit, and dig yourself out of the weeds. You will never be able to regret the things you aren't holding onto to begin with.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theflourgirlct.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflourgirlct
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_flour_girl_ct/

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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