Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Courtney Wright-Athari, Founder of Why Wait Cakes LLC, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a full-service online bakery that provides custom cakes/sweet treats/desserts. My customers are men and women between the ages of 16 and 45 - teenagers/ mothers/homemakers, working class, middle class, and the wealthy, all benefits from the presence of a bakery service.
Tell us about yourself
I was a fan of my grandmother's baking, just like any other kid. Standing in the kitchen waiting for her to ask me if I wanted to lick the spoon. However, it was never my dream to become a professional baker. It wasn't until the summer of 2015, when I was pregnant with my son, that baking became a part of my life. Having moved to Maryland from Florida, I had no close friends or family nearby. So you can imagine how lonely that could be. So I started baking little things to take to work and just have in the house. It brought me so much joy and comfort that I began to develop this love and creativity for it. In the fall of 2016, I decided to attend culinary school for baking and pastry arts. Two years later, I birthed my 3rd baby, "Why Wait Cakes LLC," my online bakery business. For me, baking is a small escape from reality, a moment in time when I get to feel like a kid again and be my best creative self. I feel that when I am in the kitchen, I am the best version of myself because whatever I'm creating is meant to bring joy to whomever it's for.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is taking the leap and believing in myself enough to even start the business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me in owning a business is staying motivated. Sometimes life throws you curve balls you can't always see what to plan for. Managing home life and work life can be extremely stressful. But when you own your own business, you have to fight through the pain or discomfort because, without you, it doesn't run.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your purpose.
- Surround yourself with like-minded and positive-thinking people.
- Set goals for yourself and for your business.
And lastly, remember, "Disappointment is ok, but Defeat is Not!"
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://whywaitcakes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whywaitcakes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whywaitcakes/
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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