Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Jarrell.
Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 16 years ago, I’ve had 3 strokes and breast cancer in more recent years. However, after working for 38 years, and raising 6 kids I was faced with one of my biggest challenge, the inevitable empty nest. I had the idea very early on that I wanted to start my own business. I’d been a small business owner once before and I truly loved the experience. The next obvious question was, what do I enjoy doing that I can turn in to business. I love baking for holidays and birthdays, which we have plenty of with 6 kids. But it was when I was making my granddaughters 1st birthday cake I realized THIS gives me joy. 2 months later I created Cottage Cakery.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being enthusiastic and passionate about starting a business, or anything really, does not guarantee success. But it can motivate you to not give up. There was a huge learning curve, for me, between making your kids birthday cake and making something marketable. My first enthusiatic attempt at selling cupcakes was on the fourth of July. I had set up a tiny display in a parking lot. Do you know what buttercream does in the July heat? What a disaster. Lesson learned. I also, very quickly, realized that the competition for selling cookies and cakes is enormous. You definitely have to find your niche.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I began my business selling cupcakes, cakes and cookies. I also had also developed two or three alcohol infused desserts. In my search for indoor markets to sell at, I applied for Montgomery County Market Days. That Market already had a dessert and cupcake vendor, but would allow me to sell my alcohol infused desserts.
That is when I started to develop what I affectionately call Boozy Bakes. I created enough Boozy Bakes desserts to fill my booth, and I sold out. I’d found my niche. So for the last year I’ve sold alcohol infused baked goods exclusively.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. (W. Churchill)
For me, being successful is living a life mindful of little blessings, grateful for another day, loving and being loved. Finding joy in just being. That is a successful life. Sometimes in the face of adversity you have to break it down to successful days, or even successful hours.
Contact Info:
- Threads: https://www.threads.com/@cottage_cakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AFNJewWNS/
