Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tricia Perkinson, president of Pat-a-Cakes and Cookies Too, located in Westfield, IN, USA.

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

We are a family-owned retail bakery established in 2006 currently located in Westfield, IN. Our customers are our neighbors, friends, and anyone in the US (we ship our cookies) who appreciates delicious homemade cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, pastries, etc.!

Tell us about yourself

The business began with myself and a business partner/friend who has since retired. (My son has now stepped into her role as my business partner). Our motivation to start the business was the desire to sell products that taste as good as they look and to have full creative rights over the products we made, which is still our motivation today. Creating recipes and having them enjoyed by our customers is both satisfying and motivating!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe the biggest accomplishment of our business is that we started out by making every product we sell. Sixteen years later, it's still the same. We do not buy other products and re-sell them as ours. It's a lot of work, but it's something we are very proud of.

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

We worry, just like every other small business, about rising costs, both products, and staffing. We strive to create a fun, relaxing, and rewarding place for our employees. We are blessed to have a great staff at this time, but when bigger businesses can offer more perks and benefits, it's hard to retain great people.

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

Location is key. Research your start-up costs. Find your niche!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I consider myself quite blessed to work with great people. It truly is a group effort to make a product that people choose to spend their money on and to have created a business worthy of passing down to the next generation.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://patacakesandcookiestoo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PataCakesandCookiesToo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patacakesofwestfield/


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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