Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Rients, founder of The Kakery, located in Minonk, IL.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi, Everyone! My name is Katie, and I am the owner of The Kakery, LLC. I am a Cottage Food bakery located in rural Minonk, IL. I specialize in custom cakes and decorated cookies. I pride myself on giving my customers unique desserts that are not only specific to their visions, but taste delicious.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had a passion for baking and art and started decorating sugar cookies with my grandma when I was 3 years old. Growing up, I would constantly bake treats for friends and family, but I didn’t see it as a career right away. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school, that my art teacher opened my eyes to the opportunity to combine my love for both art and baking.

After that day, I never looked back. I went to a community college to get my associates in Culinary, and then transferred to Johnson and Wales in Miami to pursue an associates degree in Pastry Arts. I worked at several bakeries throughout this time until I felt confident enough to go after my dream of owning my own bakery in 2019. The support of my customers motivates me everyday to continue doing what I love. This dream of mine would not have become a reality without them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a tough question; however, I would have to say taking the jump to take my business full time. When I first opened it in 2019, I maintained a part-time job because I wanted to have a backup plan financially. In 2021, after a lot of research and discussions with family, I felt confident enough to quit my part-time job and run The Kakery full time. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part of owning a business, for me, is work/life management. I love what I do, but when you work independently, there are always things to do. Between emails, tracking inventory, baking, decorating, social media, etc., it can become quite time consuming and stressful. I tend to overbook myself because I always want to feel like I’m doing everything I can for my business and my customers.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Do your research. Each state and county has different laws for cottage food businesses. It is extremely important to make sure you understand the guidelines you are under.

2. Make sure you are passionate about what you’re doing. Running a business can be challenging at times. There are often early mornings and sleepless nights, but I absolutely love what I do so it makes those challenging times worth it.

3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that is how you learn and improve. I have made several mistakes throughout the years, but each one has helped me grow and get me to where I am today.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thekakeryil.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekakeryil
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekakeryil/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.