Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maricsa Trejo, founder of La Casita Bakeshop, located in Richardson, TX.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and run a wholesale bakery! My customers are several coffee shop owners who supply delicious coffee around Texas. I also open a Store front on Saturday's and Sunday's to families and foodies! We are a Mom and Pop shop! You can usually catch my husband and I working at the bakery on those days! We love having fun conversations with regulars and new folks alike! my husband, Alex, usually is teaching someone how we shape our bread in the front! I am usually baking more off before we run out! We have a staff who have their own personal fans!! We have fun!
Tell us about yourself
I traveled and lived in different cities and countries looking for something new and exciting! When I came back to live in Dallas, I was tired of working for chefs who didn't respect women in the kitchen. My husband, ultimately gave me the push I needed, he believed in me and my dream to own a bakery. My employees, the awesome women who I get to teach and working with are what makes it worth it. I started this business to make a place where everyone is treated with respect and through hard work and amazing employees it is that today.
I have always been into hospitality and food. Even when I was little, I would watch cartoons but when no one was around I would change it to the Food Network. I love what I do and the memories I have been able to inspire with my pastries. I love listening and talking to my customers. The sense of community is what I am slowly building in Richardson, a place that knows me and it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am most proud of my team, from my driver's to my pastry and bread team. They are why I have been able to do so much this past year. I was on Telemundo and NBC, I won Pastry Chef of the Year from Star Chefs magazine, and I was able to take the first vacation in 4 years. They have taught me a lot about being a boss and also a friend. I am so happy to be a part of their lives. I couldn't ask for a better team.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The crushing realization that no matter what, you are a business first and a person second. I have missed my Dad's 60th birthday, my sister's birthday's, my grandmother and my cousin's funeral, Christmas', family vacations, you name it I have been absent. If someone calls out, I have to cover, even when I have worked 10 hours already. It is not easy to be in charge, being the boss means having to have good and bad conversations. Not everyone loves you all the time and that weighs heavy. You cannot get time back with those you care about but I do try and make it up to them. Sometimes I have to just allow my employees to take the reigns, for me to be present for my friends and family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Do you have it in you to make this business a part of your life and a part of your family's life? It is not something that you can separate yourself from if you are the creative and driving force behind it.
2) Do your research in the market and keep reevaluating as you go. Your plan has to be changeable to keep up with the demand and the changing world.
3) Make sure your employees and those working for you are treated well. Don't take advantage of those working hard for you. Good employees will only stay for a good Boss. Put boundaries in place and make sure you respect them and that they respect you. That is how your business will standout. Heard of happy wife happy life? Happy employees happy business owner!
Anything else you'd like to share?
If you want to be your own boss, go get it!
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.lacasitabakeshop.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lacasitabakeshop/
https://www.facebook.com/Lacasitabakeshop/
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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