Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deserae Virago, owner of The Bakist, located in North Beach, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Bakist is a cute little bakery in the cute little town of North Beach. You can come to get a fresh-baked cinnamon roll, muffin, or other yummy treat and go walk the boardwalk on the bay.
We make our treats from scratch, including our bagels and Focaccia bread for our breakfast sandwiches. We are an inclusive, fun, safe space for anyone to grab a cup of coffee and have a good start to your day or a pickup in the afternoon.
Tell us about yourself
I started my first business when I was 19, and the Bakist is my 4th. I have always loved baking and cooking, which led me to start my own bakery. I had a couple of years without a business and discovered that it really is my passion. I love baking and coming up with new recipes or twists on my current ones.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The Bakist would be my biggest. It is my first business that I own completely on my own as sole owner. I have really been able to put my personality into it and have seen it be profitable. I was able to increase the bakery's revenue by 25% in the first year during the pandemic by mainly being passionate about my product and getting people excited about it through social media.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You are always on. There are rare breaks. Even if you are home or on vacation, there is still a part of your brain that is focused on the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Really research what you want to do and have a plan, a backup plan, and another backup.
- Have capital, or be prepared to do everything yourself. You will always need more than you think.
- Put your personality into it, so it is uniquely you. Don't try and be like some other brand. Make sure your business shows what you are passionate about and have fun with it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner can be lonely. Make sure you have people outside the business to support you through the tough times and celebrate the good. You can be friendly with people inside your business, but you are the owner when it comes down to it. Even if things have been good, the bad will always be on you. Don't take it personally and be professional at work. Vent, cry, get angry with your people on the outside. When something is good, thank your employees, show them you appreciate them running your business. But go toast with your people outside work and let them congratulate you and show you support.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebakistnorthbeach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebakistnorthbeach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebakistnorthbeach/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.