Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol1 Issue 8 | Page 104

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE OCT 2014 Q&A with Debbie What type of business is it (sole trader, partnership)? Currently Debbie's Sweets N Treats is a sole trader with the hopes of partnering with another entrepreneur like myself and expand to do greater things. What line of business are you in? Debbie's Sweets N Treats is mainly into the production and sales of cakes and pastries. What types of products or services do you provide? Debbie’s Sweets N Treats offers a wide range of specialty cakes, cheesecakes, light fruit cakes and the traditional great cake also known as rum cake, gourmet flavored cakes, cupcakes and macarons. Homemade chocolates, chocolate-coated treats, miniature short crust pastries and puff pastries. With the interesting healthy eating trends of today along with special diets, Debbie’s Sweets N Treats offer cakes and treats which are sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy and egg free and also for the growing number of vegans and vegetarians. Debbie's Sweets N Treats also offer catering services for small parties and functions and also produces custom-made baskets. What would you say are some of your greatest challenges as an entrepreneur? Some challenges I faced as an entrepreneur starting out was not really having a business plan. Like a house you need to know where each brick, each piece of metal needs to be from the foundation going up to the roof. If it is not stable it will collapse. If you really want to start a business and make it a profitable business you have to invest, invest not only money but whatever it takes to keep your goals in check - just do it. If it means getting rid of negative people, get rid of them. If it means some sleepless nights, work during the night and sleep another hour during the day. You can't want something bad and don't get up and work towards it can you? Another challenge some entrepreneurs face is being a "follow pattern". If you’re fresh off the press, come with something new and exciting. Try to stand out and keep standing out. What are some of your achievements within your business? Some of my achievements in business include being proud of myself for still pushing onward to better my products and myself as an entrepreneur. Secondly, having satisfied returning customers, which is a plus for any [