Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca Mabis, owner of Sugar A La Mode, located in Hampton, IL, USA.

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

Sugar* A La Mode is a custom dessert bakery specializing in custom cookies; we have been making lives sweeter since 2016. We strive to make your event even better with our desserts and personalized creations. If you can dream it, we can make it!

Tell us about yourself

My business started by accident in 2016. I left retail five years prior, and the position I took when I left retail ended the year before, so I was looking for something, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I took my son to a local event in January 2016, bought him a cookie, and when I asked him how it was, he said mine was better. Of course, mine is better because I'm mom, right? But I tried the cookie, and he was right; mine were better! So after a little coaxing from friends and family, I posted my cookies on Facebook to see what would happen. I had 20 dozen ordered for that Valentine's Day, and by April, I had a full-time business. Six years later, I finally understand the saying, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

My motivation comes from my clients. I want your custom order from me to be the best you've ever had, even if that means you get more detail than what you paid for.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was buying a bakery during the pandemic in the summer of 2020. I never thought having my own space would be possible, but it's been on for two years, and I see this as my best year yet!

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

Time management has got to be the hardest thing when it comes to being a business owner. Not as in getting orders completed on time, but keeping that work-life balance, which is truly about time management. When I'm home at night, I usually work on paperwork or designing labels for packaging or something else that can be done while sitting on the couch with the furbabies. Now that my son is older, it's easier for me to do some of the non-essential tasks in the evening because he is out with friends or at youth group or doing whatever teens do, LOL. But I still have to remind myself that I do not have to work 24/7 and that I am not on call to messages day and night. The email can wait. The labels will get designed. The invoices will get sent.

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

  1. Manage your expectations from the beginning. No one should go into baking thinking they are going to be the next Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes right off the bat. It takes time.
  2. Stay in your lane. Pick one thing to focus on and make that your niche. Don't try to do it all. If you make amazing cakes, stick with cakes. If you are a pie wizard, build a pie empire. Mine is cookies, and yes, there are thousands of other cookies out there, but I've found a couple of ways to stand out in my area.
  3. Remember why you started. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the "I have to make enough money to pay the bills" mindset that we forget why we do what we do. Cakes and cookies are FUN; that's why people want them at their celebrations. Baking should be fun!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Not everyone can afford custom cookies and cakes. That's why they're custom and not something you can grab off the shelf of a big box store. Custom comes with a price. And you deserve what you charge. Don't let anyone try to bargain with you to change your pricing. They wouldn't go to their job for less money, and neither should you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sugaralamode.bigcartel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugaralamode
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugaralamode/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mabis-5b92738/

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.