Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marine Le Faucheur, Co-Owner of Sweet Lily Bakery, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a French Bakery Cafe serving fresh bread, viennoiseries, and pastries every day, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Our customers are people that enjoy coming to our store knowing that everything they will eat will be fresh from the day! We try to bring a taste from back home in France to our customers.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the food industry for 17 years now and have taken every position in this industry from FOH and BOH. I very much enjoy sharing a good moment with the customers and knowing that they leave our place happy and full :)
Food will always be one of the people's priorities by its importance in keeping our body balanced, and satisfying people with good taste and a good moment with us makes me feel accomplished.
Thibaut is the most passionate person I have ever met. With his 28 years of experience as a Pastry chef and baker, he never ceases to impress us with his determination and passion. He owned two bakeries in Paris for 10 years and decided to share his talent overseas.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It took us a while to find our perfect first location. By the time we found it and signed our lease, Covid happened. We knew that it would be a challenge, especially with such a big space. Everybody told us to start small and make our way up. We trusted ourselves and believed in what we do, and less than two years later, we signed a new lease for a second location. Doing that during this pandemic, with its ups and downs, was such a challenge that we are proud we did it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The lack of everything. Lack of time, lack of sleep, lack of employees. By the time we opened, our girl was 1.5-year-old. We have since then worked 7 days a week, and I believe it is the hardest for both of us. You put so much into your business, everything you have, your strength, love, passion, time, and all your effort. So much sacrifice comes with it. And even though we understand not everyone can understand it, it is hard sometimes to take easy criticism when your work so hard to make it right. You have to find the balance between wanting to be a great boss and not losing too much of yourself while doing it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find people that believe in what you do, treat them well, and remember that their personal life counts too! (I have been in their shoes, and I know how much I cherish a boss that understands that my life outside of work matters too)
- Believe in yourself, be kind (especially to yourself), and give your best. It will always show at the end.
- Learn how to delegate and manage time, money, and people properly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sweetlilyla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetlilyla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetlilyla/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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