Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Sepulveda, co-owner of Forno Bakery, located in Wareham, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an Italian Bakery. Our customers are people who enjoy walking into a real bakery (maybe for the first time) and getting a waft of fresh-baked bread and treats. There is something about the smell of bread that makes you feel right at home, which is what I wanted everyone to feel when they walk through those doors.
Tell us about yourself
As a breast cancer survivor, I had lost my mother (the matriarch of our family) while recovering. The trauma and grief were extremely difficult to manage. After receiving a bread baking book as a gift, I dove into it, not knowing at the time that this would save me. The bread baking became my therapy, and soon word got out that my bread was good. COVID came along, and I was selling bread straight out of my home. I was meeting so many people from near and far. The community rallied around me and really supported me. I was growing faster than I could keep up with. My best friend was watching everything unfold and soon quit the corporate world to come on board. We opened our store in late September, and it’s been an unbelievable experience.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking on my best friend as my business partner and opening up our own store.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Details make a big difference. Overlooking or cutting corners will end up hurting you in the end. Do the job right and be honest with yourself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Only do it if you’re passionate.
- Admit mistakes and ask for help. It’s impossible to know and do everything perfectly.
- Trust the process. Things fall into place on their own.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fornomarion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fornoteam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forno_marion/
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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