Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Suzzanne Rubio, Pastry Chef, and owner of Suzie Qs Bakery, located in Corona, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an at-home bakery; I make everything to order out of my own home. I do all kinds of custom sweet treats for a variety of events. Custom cakes and cookies are my specialties, but I make an array of confections. My customers are literally the best, just the sweetest families who are looking for a special dessert for their event.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been a foodie, and I knew I wanted to get into the culinary world, the sweet side specifically. I was going to culinary school in Orange County and working at different restaurants. Then my neighbors started asking me if I could bake cakes for them. My family and friends stated asking more often as well. So I decided to make cakes here and there on the side of my full-time job. Word of mouth started getting me more orders, I created social media pages, and it just kept growing and growing. I decided to take the leap of faith, quit my full-time job, and focus on my business. It has been non-stop since; I have a great clientele base, so many wonderful regulars, and a steady flow of orders and income. I love what I do, and I love that I’m my own boss. Knowing that I have come this far already keeps me motivated to keep growing and growing!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Shoot, that's a tough one! I think the fact that I have regulars is my biggest accomplishment. The fact that someone hires me to be a part of their special event is already an accomplishment in itself, but to have them return again and again because they loved my product and business so much means so much to me. Weddings, baby's, birthdays, all these memories and milestones in people's lives, and I get to be a part of all of that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The mental aspect. You no longer work for the boss. You ARE the boss. Everything you do falls on you. You are no longer just a baker; you are a baker, photographer, delivery driver, accountant, administrator, PR, and a million more. It is a lot of work, long days, lots of compromises, and above all, lots of stress. Your mind is in a mile a minute, and it is hard not to get overwhelmed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do the research. Figure out what you want to do and educate yourself on what steps you need to take to get there. Knowledge is power that drives your business.
- Get social media. That is an absolute staple to get your business growing. Promote your work to engage with your audience.
- Check in with your mental health. You can’t run a successful business if you are just a time bomb of stress and exhaustion waiting to blow. It’s ok to say no and set boundaries to keep your head straight. Find the balance and know the limits of your mental breaking point.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just be yourself. Don’t try to be what you think is normal, just let your inner weirdo out and embrace your individuality.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.suzieqsbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzieqsbakery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzieqsbakery/
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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