Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dee Williams, founder of Elegant Impressions Bakery, located in Moreno Vallley, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Elegant Impressions Bakery is a premier dessert catering company that offers stylish and trendy dessert and candy tables for weddings and events. I offer my clients who like to celebrate life's special occasions with stellar customer service and delicious gourmet desserts.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in business since 2014, and my husband inspired me to start selling desserts as a side hustle while working full-time incorporate. For four years, I only sold pound cakes and cupcakes, had no idea what I was doing, making little to no profit, and was on the verge of quitting. In 2018, I discovered a Facebook group for bakers called Cake Cents. It was started by Janelle and Eddie Copeland, who are business mentors for home and brick and mortar bakeries. I enrolled in the online business course they offered, called Passion to Profit, which taught small business owners the important steps in running a successful home baking business. Janelle, my business mentor, gave me so much vital information. I was able to change my brand and improve my sales. In 2020, I turned my side hustle into a full-time dessert catering company, and I love every minute of it.
There are two things that motivate me every day to continue my business: my children and my clients. It's amazing that I am able to teach my young daughters how to be entrepreneurs. By the time they are ready to inherit my company, they will have the skills to operate a successful business and have financial freedom. My clients are another huge factor in my motivation. I enjoy celebrating important events in their lives, especially with all of the chaos going on in the world. Their positive feedback warms my heart, and I am so glad I am able to put smiles on their faces. I am blessed to have met some really awesome people. Without them, Elegant Impressions Bakery wouldn't exist.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to quit my corporate job and run my business full time. 2021 was the most profitable year since I started back in 2014.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Handling all of the tasks of running a small business. I am pretty much a one-woman show. From social media marketing to setting up dessert tables and working very long hours, it can be very stressful and frustrating at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have the basic essentials to operate a business: business license, logo(branding), trademark, LLC, business bank account (always keep personal finances separate from business finances), at least one business credit card, and a trustworthy tax preparer.
- Excellent customer service is key! Remember: without customers, you cannot operate a business.
- Time management and organizational skills are very important, especially if you run a business by yourself. Try not to overwork yourself, or you will burn out quickly.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Running a small business isn't easy; otherwise, everyone would be doing it. There will be sacrificed time with family and friends, long and sleepless nights, but just remember it's far more rewarding than working for someone else and making them wealthy. You are your own boss, which means YOU are in charge of YOU. Make yourself rich in TIME. That's the best FREEDOM anyone can have. Good luck to all of the upcoming entrepreneurs. I wish you the most success in your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://elegantimpressionsbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elegantimpressionsbakery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elegantimpressionsbakery/
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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