Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gigi Knoten, owner of Boxed & Bougie Specialty Treats, located in Dallas, TX.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Baker, Treat Maker and Owner of Boxed & Bougie Specialty Treats. We bake gourmet cookies and confections such as dessert jars, chocolate covered strawberries and more. My customers are those who love unique flavored treats (such as our banana pudding cookies, banana pudding dipped strawberries or our famous pineapple upside down cookie as a gift or to offer at any type of celebration. Our customers would be those who love desserts of course but yummy grab and go treats such as our cookies, dessert jars or berry cups. All of our treats are easy and convenient to eat, packed with great flavors. Our treats are all homemade and packaged to perfection. We are also community driven, our company is apart of the Cedar Hill Chamber and we also give back to our community as well through coat drives, donating to the American Cancer Society along with our upcoming Brown Bag Lunch that my husband and I started to feed the less fortunate.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana to a grandmother that loved to cook and bake. My mother's mom inspired me in so many ways to bake. She would bake cookies, cakes and pies of every flavor you could think of. I would sit right alongside her and help her bake and taste too...lol... I've always baked for years but during the start of the pandemic baking was an outlet for me to calm my anxiety and panic attacks. So I decided to turn my blessing into a business and that's when Boxed & Bougie Specialty Treats came along. My husband and 3 kids are a huge part of my why and motivation, especially my daughter. My baby girl loves to bake as well, so this is definitely a business that will be passed down to her in the future.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is definitely being able to show my kids that you don't have to just work a corporate job to make money, be successful or happy. There are ways to become an Entrepreneur that can show you your purpose, passion and your path. I also love that I've met so many other Entrepreneurs and we have found ways to give back through our platform.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things has been for sure finding that support that you sometimes need as well as consistent customers. But I am grateful for the family, friends and loyal customers that I have, that has been supporting me through my journey.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Don't just start a business just because or because it seems to be a "trend" on social media. Start the business because it's something you are passionate about and you enjoy doing or it will just be another job.
2) When you do decide to start your business be sure to thoroughly research the industry you are entering to know if it's what you really want to pursue, know your audience and your community and how to serve them.
3) Be true to yourself and never give up no matter what, follow your passion and purpose and put God in your every decision.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to be able to share my business with your readers and also grateful for the platform that you have provided, it is truly a blessing, thank you.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.boxedandbougie.com
https://www.instagram.com/boxed_and_bougie/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067020292836
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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