OWNER: KATHLEEN STOCKTON

1. Briefly describe Sweet Little Things Bakery and the products/services offered.

Baked items such as cakes- wedding, birthdays, retirement, and celebration. Cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, cinnamon rolls, brownies, etc.

2. How did you get started as a small business owner?

I started baking from home while my children were small, then it morphed into a small bakery business on our property outside of Warrensburg city limits.

3. What was your mission at the start of Sweet Little Things Bakery and has that mission evolved over time?

My mission was to be able to create a business that still allowed me to care for my children at the same time. I enjoy being in the kitchen and creating things that taste great and that make people happy. It has absolutely evolved since I began, I never imagined that I would be so busy and successful baking, and of course my kids are older now and they enjoy helping and learning a few things as well.

4. How many employees does Sweet Little Things Bakery have?

1, myself

5. What is unique about Sweet Little Things Bakery?

I always describe my bakery as "my home", I want people to feel welcomed to stop by! The bakery is a tiny house 14X36 feet, made up of mostly kitchen area. My husbands small business, Stockton Concrete and Pumping is located just next door, and our future home is behind both business. We purchased the property from a dear family friend a few years back and plan to be in the area for sometime. In the summer my bakery is uniquely placed in the middle of a soybean field.

6. How much time did it take for Sweet Little Things Bakery to earn a profit?

Around a year.

7. What has been a significant challenge that you have faced and overcome as a small business owner?

As I stated before, I am a solo baker and a mother. So on the occasion I do have to step out of the bakery to care for my family. Another challenge I have faced is the ingredient and supply shortage, and price increase on these items as well.

8. As a small business owner, how do you measure success?

I measure my success by the number of happy customers, and newly formed relationships with these customers. I don't want to just bake and send the items out the door, I enjoy getting to know people and bake for them often.

9. What do you like most about owning a small business?

I enjoy being able to create items from beginning to end, and being able to set my own schedule.

10. What piece of advice would you offer to new entrepreneurs?

I would offer the advice of being sure you set your boundaries and only take on as much as you can handle successfully.