Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ruth Wardein, owner of Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery, located in Naples, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hello! We are a Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakery and Cafe. We also take care of all allergen needs! We have breads, brownies, cookies, muffins, sweetbreads, pizzas, quiches, pot pies, pastries, and custom cakes for all occasions.
Tell us about yourself
My Dad and I discovered we were Celiac in 1998, and I didn't want him feeling left out at family gatherings and parties. I was currently a Ballet Instructor, but baking was already a hobby of mine, so I just switched over to experimenting with everything gluten-free! I came up with successful recipes and was encouraged to go to a local Farmers Market to sell them... We were so popular our customers continued returning every week, encouraging us and requesting more items...
I continued baking out of my home kitchen for seven years until finally opening a Bakery/Cafe almost five years ago. What motivates me is the endless gratitude and joy I see on thousands of customers/friends' faces when they can have something special and not be left out! We can take a list of someone's dietary restrictions and create a cake just special for them. :)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Bringing JOY and HEALING to people which changes their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being everywhere and learning to do what doesn't come easy or naturally to me, but I have an incredible team that keeps everything going smoothly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a team that truly loves and cares about the business. Delegate, empower and trust them to do a great job and they will.
- Encourage them often and remind them they are needed.
- Get as much wisdom and advice as you can from others who have run a similar business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Pray with your team daily and put God as head of your business, and He will take care of you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://epiphanyglutenfree.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epiphanyglutenfreebakery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiphany_bakery/
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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