Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Larysha Henry, Founder, Owner & Creator of Flossie Cakes, located in Moreno Valley, California, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a luxury, custom cake creator, and my customers are all of the beautiful people with a sweet tooth and great taste. I have a desire to inspire people with my Flossie Cake creations because I love baking cakes. Honestly, I know it would make my grandmother proud. I was adopted by my grandmother after my mother passed away when I was four years of age. She was my mother and father, and she taught me to bake with love and ultimately be myself by letting my creative juices flow.
Tell us about yourself
I am Larysha Henry, and I was content with simply being a stay-at-home mom, caring for my children, and running our household. My husband challenged me in January 2020, just before the pandemic got started, to make our daughter’s 5th birthday cake rather than buying one because we were low on funds. I accepted the challenge, began researching, and purchased the necessary supplies. I created a beautiful L.O.L Cake that my daughter fell in love with. Our friends and family gave many compliments about the cake, but what stood out to me more was my own surprise. It was an “aha” moment that I’ll never forget. I was reminded of a dream I’d let go of to bake cakes. I couldn’t believe I was able to create a cake like that. I then began to wonder what else I could do, and here we are today. I still care for my children full time while also running my business. The two tasks seem to work together perfectly because they fuel each other. I teach my kids to live life out loud by pursuing their dreams and utilizing all of their God-given abilities, and this keeps me going on days that I feel like giving up. Simultaneously, I get to create and teach at the same time. I guess this is also a message to the moms out there questioning their worth. But listen, if you can run a household, running a business is a piece of cake (wink wink).
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In the long but short two years of entrepreneurship & running Flossie Cakes, I would say that my biggest accomplishment has been gaining a deeper understanding of myself. Sure, I’ve made some money and have received great reviews from my customers. I’ve contributed to my family financially simply from the work of my hands, coupled with my creative talents. However, I have learned things about myself that I have never known. I’ve cried and felt the pressure that I’ve never felt. I’ve pushed myself harder than I ever have. And the sum total of all of this tension has been a new vision of Larysha. Once you step out of your comfort, you are able to see things that only resistance can expose. I see myself now, flaws and all, and I love what I see. I’m so excited to go forward because now I truly believe that the possibilities are endless. Nothing else that I’ve accomplished compares to this.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
At this stage of my business, I have no one to delegate tasks to. I am the baker, the accountant, the delivery driver, the owner, and so much more. This allows me to think through each task and plan out how to expand the business, and that’s a great thing. But it’s also hard to be efficient in each category. So patience is my virtue of choice, and I’ve learned that giving grace to yourself is a form of self-care. Doing this is what makes the hard parts easy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something that you LOVE & do well and then learn how to monetize it.
- Perfect your craft, research your field, find a coach/mentor, and ask for guidance from those who have been where you are.
- Have fun. You’ll never grow a business that you hate.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The last thing that I’ll share with your reader is this: Stop sitting on your gifts. We were all born with unique abilities… superpowers, if you will. Use them! And use them with a purpose. My grandmother helped me find my purpose and, by the grace of God, I’m walking in it. We all must stop looking around at the amazing accomplishments of others and start looking at ourselves and what we have to offer. I guarantee you that there is more greatness inside of you that is yet to be seen. I was content as a stay-at-home mom, but I was also comfortable. Moving past my comfort was how I moved into my greatness. And I’m still moving. Thank you for reading.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://flossiecakes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlossieCakes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flossiecakes/
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.