Now...I know we talked about old favorites that you'd like to see in an imaginary book and I thank everyone for the inspirational ideas (some we actually already make but they haven't made it on the official menu yet!). The thing about it is, that I'd also like to ask you hypothetically again for some requests. What if I were to hypothetically write a "how-to" book about opening a small business. Any burning questions you'd like answered? Advice you'd like to hear? Hairstyles advise that will land you the job?
Again, I'm just asking.
Dear Erin,
If you were to "hypothetically" write a how-to book on starting your own business one thing I would really like to know about is money.
People never really say how much money they started with, where did they get loans, how they got loans and how they are paying them back. Also, things like finding equipment, remodeling, things like that.
In addition to that, it would be nice to know how long it really took for you to work out your recipes.
But that's only if you were "hypothetically" writing a book.......
YES, please! I would love to read such a book...hypothetically speaking, of course ;-)
Just tell me when and where I can purchase it!! :-)
you mean get tips from a successful woman who has established an ethical and healthy alternative business, has a beautiful shop, and a life-saving (for me, anyway) cookbook? no particular questions, but yes please on the project!
Hypothetically, I'd like to see what you need other than money. i.e. insurance, precautions to take, how to price your items. Too high and you price yourself out of the market and that's deadly off the bat. Too low and it would take for ever to get out of the red.
"Hypothetically", I'd love to know how you decide on location (balancing cost with accessibility). How do you keep the passion when you're starting out and working yourself so hard? I have heard of needing a "business plan." How do you write one? What are the legal ramifications of running a food business in particular like kitchen inspections and the like? How do you decide what to start with on the menu? Do you start with a couple of things and slowly work more recipes into it? How do you find product suppliers for that kind of scale of baking? When do you decide to hire help?
I would want to know it all, from start to successful business!
PS - ever think of a BabyCakes franchise in Boulder, CO? I've been trying to figure out how to open a GF bakery here and be a success and I'd love to do it if I could! (I'm already working out altitude adjustments for your cookbook recipes, though some have ended up not vegan I'm sure I could work that out, too).
I thought of a couple of other things: How much space do you need for a bakery? How do you decide to have seating or not? How do you take a regular recipe and modify it for commercial production? Do you hire an accountant right off the bat so you can focus on your business or do you try to run the money side and bakery side yourself? How do you choose an accountant if you hire one?
I hope I'm not making you crazy, but a book like this might give aspiring people what they need to start a small business.
Hi Erin,
I recently found out that I have food allergies. I discovered babycakes when I looked up glutin free cookbooks. I really like your book. I live in Calgary, Ab, Canada and recently made a trip down to NYC and made it into your store. It was great! You have done an amazing job of inspiring me with your stores uniqueness and its success. What you have done is brave!
I would definitely read a book and take any advice as I hve always wanted to start my own industrial design business.
Cynthia
Erin -
based on how awesome you were when you spoke to our in good company group about starting BabyCakes I say yes, yes, yes. They loved you, we loved you - and your sage advice and business insights were incredibly valuable. MUCH more authenic and candid and absolutely more funny than a lot of other sources out there. I say GO FOR IT.
Adelaide
Hi Erin!
"Hypothetically" it would be great to hear about how you assembled your team of family and friends - a "how to" on how to use your favourite, best, and brightest crew and still all be on good terms! Your cookbook introduces us to your sister (and her love of cornbread!) who seems to work at the NY bakery - although using friends and family in business can be super fun (and let's face it, cost effective!), it can sometimes be a bit tricky too. How do you suggest wading through it all?
Thanks!
Jessica
PS - It WOULD be great to see tips on style and hair-dos! Babycakes is so super funky and really speaks to your style - a "how to" on infusing your personality into a small business would be great as well!
I would like to know how you keep yourself going. Are you working on ideas alone to get the business going?
If you were hypothetically going to write a book, I would like to know what you thought about going it alone vs with a partner in crime.