Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in baking but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Benton, founder of Sugarsweet Cookie + Cake Studio, located in Oakland. CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a custom cake bakery. We specialize in making cakes for all occasions in the style and design of the customer's desire. We also make decorative sugar cookies, drop cookies and cupcakes. Our cakes range in style from small and simple to large and opulent. Our customers are people of many walks of life but what they all have in common is their love for delicious cake and impressive design.
Tell us about yourself
I never baked growing up but I always cooked. So I enrolled in culinary school to be a chef. While there I took a baking class and developed a love for baking. I sold cakes and cupcakes out of my duplex in Oakland, Ca. while I did office work in San Francisco. In November of 2019 I made the decision to open a small bakery in my neighborhood. What motivates me each day to do what I do is knowing that my work is an integral part of making someone's celebration memorable and the love and gratitude that comes from that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There have been a few: For one just getting open was monumental for me because it took 2 years and almost didnt happen. Having my work on the cover of a magazine. And my mother who was able to see all of it happen before she passed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding, hiring and keeping the right people. Weeding through the bad to get to the good is an art in itself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Make sure you have a professional consultant guide you through the process of opening your business. I didnt have one and it took e 2yrs to open.
2. Love what you do to the point of obsession. You will need this kind of passion on days when you feel like walking away.
3. Hire a good CPA.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/sugarsweetoak/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pastry-chef-david-benton-234a2810/
https://www.facebook.com/sugarsweetCS
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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