Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Binford.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ll admit that I never expected to be a small business owner. I have a Master’s Degree in Accounting and am a licensed CPA. I worked in public accounting after graduating from Texas A&M in 2002, but I have been a stay at home mom since my oldest son was born almost 16 years ago. I have four sons now and these boys definitely keep me busy. But in 2020, we had some major changes. My husband accepted a rare job opportunity and we moved from Dallas to Austin. I found myself looking for a way to earn a little extra income. I knew I wanted something that I could do from home and that would allow me to control my schedule. I had been baking cinnamon rolls for friends and family as gifts for several years and a few close friends told me that I should be selling them. So in the Fall of 2020, I launched my cottage food business, Blue Door Sweets. Building a home-based business during a pandemic and also as the new kid in town has had its challenges, but it has been rewarding. Most of my customers come pick up their goodies from my home, and I have to say that the front porch conversations that I had with those customers really helped lift my spirits during a somewhat lonely time. It can be hard to meet people in a new city, especially when so many of the normal activities aren’t happening because of a pandemic. I will forever be thankful for the human interaction that this business has opened up to me. And at the end of the day, I think that’s what small businesses are really about…. people. I am blessed to be able to meet new people and share my sweet treats with them and their families.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started my business in the middle of a pandemic and in a city that was new to me. It has made it a little more difficult to make connections and build a solid customer base. But at the same time, it has given me a reason to meet new people and that has been a true blessing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a cottage food baker, which means that I bake out of my home kitchen. My niche is cinnamon rolls. These started out as a family tradition that I am now happy to share with others.
How do you define success?
I think success can have a different definition for everyone. For me right now, I feel like I am being successful as long as I am delivering a product that makes people happy.
Pricing:
- 9″ pan of 8 rolls/$20
Contact Info:
- Email: bluedoorsweets@gmail.com
- Website: www.bluedoorsweets.com
- Instagram: @bluedoorsweets
- Facebook: @bluedoorsweetsatx
- Twitter: @bluedoorsweets
