Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Valerie Vedral, CEO of The Vulgar Vegan, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Vulgar Vegan is a custom vegan cupcake bakery. We bake delicious cupcakes that are made with high-quality, premium ingredients and served with a side of sass. We love to create truly unique vegan cupcakes that you won't find in any grocery store - from the vegan Hawaiian french toast-topped Breakfast at Tiffany's that is dusted with edible diamond glitter dust to the blueberry lavender delight Damn Right I Got The Blues. Our cupcakes have been served at birthdays, baby showers, graduations, bridal showers, and more. Our customers, both vegan and not vegan, are those who appreciate a delicious indulgence that is all around better for you and the environment.
Tell us about yourself
How did this all get started? Years ago, I made a homemade chocolate-vanilla marble cake for one of my kids' birthday parties, and well, the rest is history. Store-bought cakes or cupcakes have been flat-out refused ever since. Our cupcakes were once served at a wedding before the business was officially born - no kidding! My toddler niece absolutely refuses to eat grocery store cupcakes - she will legit spit that sh*t right out and demand a The Vulgar Vegan cupcake! You can't f*cking beat an endorsement like that!
I truly love the creativity behind The Vulgar Vegan and the connections I create with my customers. I love to talk vegan with those who are interested, and I'm always tweaking recipes to meet customers' needs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The Vulgar Vegan was selected to be a part of the inaugural Berwyn Shops last year and also was a 4th place finalist in a plant-based BBQ competition hosted by Ingredion at The Hatchery, competing against the likes of food scientists and catering companies.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is learning to compete against the larger stores and being able to weather times when sales are slow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Believe in yourself because if you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will. Be brave and take that leap of faith - it is so scary to push ahead, but great things come to those who do! And never, ever give up - even when things get tough. You and your business are worth it. Your dreams matter, and the world needs YOU!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thevulgarvegancupcakes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vlgrvegancupcakes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevulgarvegancupcakes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vlgrvgncupcakes
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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