Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Riss Otto, owner of Better Baked by Riss, located in Bridgeport, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Better Baked by Riss specializes in custom cakes and weddings. We use only the highest quality ingredients in our desserts, from French Plugra butter to Belgium chocolate. Between our high-quality ingredients and true passion for baking, you can taste the love in each and every product.
Tell us about yourself
Baking was always just supposed to be a side hobby for me. It was my stress reliever when I had a big exam coming up in school. I was on track to go to medical school to become a naturopathic doctor when I realized I was spending more of my time in the kitchen instead of studying for my exams. I thought maybe there was something here? Why am I not doing what I love day-to-day? After graduating college, I moved to Chicago to attend pastry school. I was working in a Michelin star restaurant when COVID hit, and it shut down. I had to figure out what my next step was. The food industry was greatly impacted by COVID, so I took a hiatus from baking and got an office job. I was still baking a few cakes here and there for friends and family, but I wanted more. After about a year, I quit my job and started to bake again full-time, but this time was only working for myself. I get the motivation to see someone's face when they see their cake or when they contact me after the event, saying that everything turned out exactly how they wanted. I love to be a part of someone's celebration or special day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is waking up every day and trying my best. My business is still a baby, and I am trying to grow it while creating the lifestyle I want to live. I think the hardest part is starting. There is so much self-doubt when starting a business because there are many risks involved but just putting one foot in front of the other even when it seems impossible is the best thing I have done.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I came into the business knowing that I could bake a cake. What I didn't 100% plan for is to be the administration, accountant, social media manager, customer service manager, salesperson, and more. There are many hats you have to wear when you run a business solo, and this has definitely been the hardest challenge for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Learn to breathe during stressful times. It is so hard when everything feels like it is falling apart, but if you can keep your head clear, finding the solution to the crisis will come to you faster. Acknowledge that you will be working more hours than your 9-5 job. It is very hard to unplug as a business owner, but make sure you take the time to recharge yourself both physically and mentally, or you will burn out. There will be slow times during your business year cycle. Take this time to learn a new skill to help your business, restructure your business plan, and evaluate what is working in your business and what might need to change.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Trust yourself. You started this business because you believe that it is something that the world or your community needs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.betterbakedbyriss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbakedbyrissPA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterbakedbyriss/
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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