Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Evangelina Guajardo, Owner of Evangelina's Vegan Desserts, located in Newark, DE, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own and operate a small vegan pastry shop. My customers are conscientious, ethical shoppers who care about their health, animals, and the environment. A lot of our customers find us due to dietary restrictions.

Tell us about yourself

I have been vegan since 2000, and at that time, there were no vegan restaurants or bakeries in Delaware. When I had my son in 2002, I raised him vegan as well, and as he got older, I realized there was a need to learn how to bake vegan so we could have birthday cakes and treats to share at birthday parties. I was finally able to provide him with birthday cupcakes to take to school and other events. Eventually, I started baking for friends and family that needed vegan pastries and then moved on to offering the pastries at local cafes.

What motivates me every day is customers who get excited when they see that they can enjoy sweet treats without consuming eggs or dairy, like the children who have food allergies or the adults who haven't had their favorite cakes in years since they changed their diets, all while taking steps to improve our carbon footprint and support animal sanctuaries.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment so far as a business owner is starting the first 100% vegan bakery in Delaware and providing a place for customers to purchase delicious cruelty-free pastries.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part of being a business owner is handling the unknown variables and spontaneous changes that come with the market, especially during a pandemic and recession with record inflation.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Find another business owner that has years of experience in the industry you're interested in and ask a lot of questions. Remember that there is a place for you and your unique qualities in the market, but you have to find the customers who are looking for what you can provide.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.evangelinas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vegandesserts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evangelinasvegandesserts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/veganvita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evangelina-guajardo-374a4346/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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