Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janie Oliver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Janie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Well, I’m a big believer in taking risks. My brother, sister and I were so fortunate to have been raised by parents that supported us along the way. We knew we could do anything we set our minds to do and their work ethic was passed down to us. Even when I left my career in the entertainment industry and moved to the United States from Canada in 1992, I didn’t have one hesitation. Jump. You can’t go forward without jumping. The most recent “risk” was right at the beginning of Covid. I packed up my dogs and my house in L.A. and bought a home and business in a Southern California mountain town where my bakery and catering business is currently thriving. Hard work, a little luck and recognizing when you need to pivot are all keys to success.
Janie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a baker, businesswoman, animal activist, cook book author and head bottle washer at “The Sunflower Bakery & Catering”.
After spending 27 years in the Entertainment Business, I have been working toward making my secondary stream of income the primary one. For 12 years, “The Sunflower” has been a cottage industry boutique bakery offering an online bake shop, catering, personal chef service and cooking classes in and around the greater Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego County areas. Looking ahead, after a glacial amount of research, the focus is to continue to grow the business and purchase a very busy, existing business location in the mountain town of Idyllwild, California to meet the increased demand from my customers.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Bringing deliciousness to the world.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth has been the best source of new clients/guests for The Sunflower, both retail side and catering.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Pumpkin pie. Yep… pumpkin pie brought my business partner into the retail location. Shortly after I catered a 50th birthday event and the rest is history. Having the support of a right brained person to compliment my very-much left brain perspective, has helped direct the business to continued success.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesunflower@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesunfloweridyllwild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowerbakeryhome
