Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy O'Connell, founder of Sprinkled Confections, located in Holy Cross, IA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Sprinkled Confections, a custom studio bakery that specializes in creating bespoke wedding cakes, sweets tables, cupcakes, fondant work, event cakes, allergy friendly sweets, and teaching workshops. I work with a lot of customers who are looking for a one of a kind cake with exceptional taste and attention to detail. Bridal clients are looking for a unique cake that will be a statement piece at their wedding and be a gorgeous edible work of art. I currently am designing a lot of dessert tables that offer a variety of mini options for guests to enjoy.
Tell us about yourself
I am a self taught baker who started with the business out of my home. Currently I am building a studio bakery that will be opening in the Spring of 2022. I first started my journey by baking for my family and friends and it soon turned from hobby to flourishing business over the years. I believe baking is an art form that requires time and attention to detail to make every piece one-of-a-kind. Each design is an exciting new challenge that allows for more artistic expression to be showcased.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Currently my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been actually making my dream come true of having a brick and mortar in my small town. The idea of bringing a business to the area that will draw in visitors for an experience and showcase all the beauty that eastern Iowa has to offer is a blessing and once in a life time opportunity. I am also super proud to be building a team of amazing artists to help service more clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things to overcome for me personally as a business owner is negative feedback or upset customers. Every piece that leaves my kitchen is an expression of art, and to have my talents be belittled by a customer is hard. As humans we are all sensitive and to be insulted about your artwork is challenging because it may not have aligned with their design vision. But each day is a new day to succeed and I just try to brush it off and treat everyone around me with kindness and gratitude and to remember all of the wonderful happy customers who come back to me countless times to help create memories for their special events. I love being a small part of milestones in families lives.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, believe in yourself and have a good support team that you can lean on to help you succeed.
Second, create a brand and a product that align with your vision.
Third, make sure to continue your education within your craft/field so you can continue to evolve with the changing times and market.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.sprinkledconfections.net
https://www.instagram.com/sprinkledconfections_amy/
https://www.facebook.com/sprinkledconfections/
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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