Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Bowers, Owner of Three Melons Bake Shop, LLC., located in Woodstock, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own Three Melons Bake Shop in Woodstock, Virginia. I have a studio in my home where I specialize in custom-decorated sugar cookies. I have done cookies for holidays, special occasions, businesses, and even a celebrity. My main focus is local to Virginia, but my cookies have traveled all over the US and even to Europe.
Tell us about yourself
I began baking as a child, making Christmas cookies every year with my family. Fast forward to the beginning of 2017, when I was able to become a stay-at-home mama to our youngest daughter. My creative juices are always flowing, and I wanted a way to express my creativity and love of baking and art, so I started making cupcakes and cakes for family and friends. One single order for pig cookies from my former employer turned into a sudden new career, and Three Melons Bake Shop was born. I thoroughly love what I do and love to see what each little black canvas of a cookie can become.
I’m the proud wife of a Battalion Chief (firefighter/paramedic) and mama to two beautiful daughters in elementary school (Abby and Leah), a dog named Ollie, and 11 chickens who supply fresh eggs for my baking. While I’m not elbow-deep in icing, I enjoy traveling, cheering for the Washington Nationals, drinking iced tea, and enjoying time with my family where we live in Woodstock, Virginia.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Last year, I thought it would be cool to do something totally out of my wheelhouse and enter my first cookie competition, the Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™. This competition had two categories, 2D and 3D, and people from all over the world entered their amazing pieces of sugar art. I entered a piece in the 2D category and ended up winning 3rd place (https://juliausher.com/what-youve-all-been-waiting-for/)! I was blown away, and honestly, to this day, I still feel like it was a dream and incredibly humbled. It was particularly special to me because it featured my sister, who's an OR nurse.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, and I think all small business owners would agree, is that you're never really not working. You're always networking, brainstorming, planning, answering emails and messages,...the list goes on and on. It's very hard to turn it off sometimes. Especially when you're creative, and you're constantly inspired.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't be afraid to be the new kid, the amateur. Everyone starts somewhere. You just have to start.
Secondly, don't compare your journey to someone else's. Everyone's path looks different. In my industry, I'm pretty blessed because it's such a supportive community. You can reach out to other business owners and collaborate or ask questions or for advice.
Lastly, always be willing to learn.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://threemelonsbakeshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3melonsbakeshop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3melonsbakeshop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-bowers-5b46541b2/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.