Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tricia Arce, owner of Toasted Mallow, located in Gilbert, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a woman-owned small business creating unique desserts for everyone to enjoy. We create handmade marshmallows from scratch that are available to purchase online or in-store. Since we make delicious marshmallows, we had to create the first S'mores bar in AZ, where we create a dessert with our handmade graham cracker bowl and toast the marshmallow to the customers liking and top it with delicious toppings. Along with our delicious marshmallows, we have decadent milkshakes topped with our handmade marshmallow fluff. Our customers range from the business suits coming in for a quick gift or something corporate to the grandparents bringing in their grandkids for something sweet and teens coming in with friends to enjoy.
Tell us about yourself
I was someone who thought would be in the corporate world all her life in a corporate office. My background has always been in customer service and ensuring that people enjoyed their experiences where they shopped. Instead, I found myself running a dessert shop; I started creating marshmallows to deal with the passing of my grandmother; it was a form of therapy to fill a space that was empty. I put my focus on how to create the perfect marshmallow, and through this, I was able to move past the heavy grief of losing my favorite person. Instead of grieving, I was so focused on the science of marshmallows that I just focused on the positive moments of my grandmother and her sweet tooth. The customers motivate me; I love when I see them smiling and enjoying what we have created. I love hearing their stories of the first time they visited us or customers bring in out-of-town guests because they believe in our desserts.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is truly having my doors stay open during a pandemic; we were one of the lucky small businesses that did not have to shut down. We are truly grateful for our customers across the country purchasing marshmallows via online to keep us going.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is navigating your business to what's happening in the world. Supply prices, rent prices, and lack of employees and lack of customers; unfortunately, you have to do a quick pivot to ensure your business remains successful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn about taxes; just don't depend on your CPA or whoever is doing your taxes. Not being knowledgeable really affected our bottom line.
- Find a work-life balance, especially if you have a family; for years since my wife and I have been in the business, we forgot that we were a couple first before being business partners. It starts interfering in your marriage. You have to make time for what's important.
- Be authentic; customers tend to appreciate your business more if they can connect. Create your own idea, even if it's already out there; make it your own by telling a story about what it means to you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Small business is hard; your hands hurt, your back hurts, your feet hurt, but when you see the orders come through and the line out the door, it's so rewarding. Owning a small business isn't for anyone wanting quick gratification; this is a labor of love. The rewards show up slowly, but it's very well worth it when they do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thetoastedmallow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToastedMallow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toasted.mallow/
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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