Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Lahrman, owner of Bite Club Baked Goods, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bite Club Baked Goods is a bakery that came to be during COVID-19 as a result of the music industry coming to a halt. Our mission is to provide delicious baked goods without the use of animal products. Everything we make is dairy and egg-free and can easily be made gluten-free as well.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as a manager at Graze Nashville when the baking position there opened up. I had just learned that my fall touring employment had fallen through and, although I hadn't baked before, asked Nick and Ashley Davis to give me a shot. I made them a Citrus Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake and just crossed my fingers that they would like it. I'm so grateful to them for believing in me and giving me a space to succeed and fail. Through Graze, we opened up custom orders, and it was then that I discovered a great need in Nashville. So every day, I look forward to creating something special for individuals and being a resource to Nashville for all of the classic pastries and baked goods that we used to miss out on as vegans.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been being able to make the transition to this being my full-time job. It was so scary to take that leap as someone who didn't have savings or loans to temporarily lean on (although there's nothing wrong with doing that, it just wasn't an option for me). But I also think my biggest accomplishment was winning Vinnie Louise's Dream Fund. They're an incredible boutique with an incredible story, and that was such a generous reminder that people are rooting for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest and most unexpected things that comes with being a business owner is how lonely it feels at times. There is a lot of pressure put on yourself to keep up with ordering, communication, marketing, making the goods, and more. That pressure can be overwhelming at times, and it can be difficult to feel understood by those who don't have that same pressure.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Manage your growth! It's okay to pause a few opportunities so that you don't compromise the quality of your goods.
- Some of the best friends I have, I've made or met doing markets.
- Hire an accountant. If you don't have time to do the research, it's okay to hire an accountant to take a look at things and get you on the right track!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.biteclubbakedgoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiteClubBakedGoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biteclubbakedgoods/
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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