We recently connected with Haley Larson and have shared our conversation below.
Haley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
This is one of my favorite questions! Not long after starting Hala Sweets I found myself frequently questioning which direction I wanted the business to go in. There are so many opportunities that come along and options to offer in this creative field it’s hard to say no. After taking a pause to reflect on Hala Sweets I realized that to be successful can mean anything I want it to mean. My definition will be different than the next baker and business owner. I found that focusing on balance, creativity, and consistently reflecting on where we are helped me see what success means and how to get there. I think to be successful takes time, energy, passion, focus, pauses, balance, reflection, and re-direction. Let your business and your ideas guide where you want to go. Just because you started one way doesn’t mean you can’t change! Follow the flow!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
Hala Sweets is all about cake! We create custom cakes, cake pops, cakesicles, and our famous cake jars. New this year we began hosting cake decorating classes! Hala Sweets is a mother-daughter duo baking and creating together. Renee, is the master baker of all things here at Hala Sweets. Renee is a retired FACS teacher and one heck of a partner. I myself focus on design, decorating, and behind the scenes business! I’m a former Art teacher and a lifelong entrepreneur. Together we LOVE hosting cake classes and find joy in creating for and with others – it’s the best part of the job!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’ve found the most effective strategy for growing your clientele relies heavily on connections and reviews. I think it’s important to understand your brand, who you are, and be YOU with your clients online and in-person. Growing connections takes time, I encourage growing true and real connections vs. quick and fast. By this I mean, take time to to get to know people and network. You will LEARN things and maybe create new and lasting friends. Additionally, support other small businesses like yours. They are not your competition, they are your people! Clientele will come to you as you begin to establish who you are. Find what you like and share that. Don’t feel the need to create and do everything that everyone else is doing. You don’t have to do it all, find what you like best and GO FOR IT!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I think this is a common one around small businesses and bakeries – RAISE YOUR PRICES! As the economy changes and prices are raised for supplies you need to raise yours. As I’m writing this I know I have to get new pricing ready for next year. It’s so important to charge for your product and charge for your time. If you own a business it only makes sense you get paid for all of your work – it’s your job! I continue to learn this lesson and have made changes over the years to help adjust and work with an ever-changing economy. I suggest re-evaluating your pricing at least every 6 months, you may need adjustments or none at all. You won’t know if you don’t check! Though this process takes a lot of time upfront, it’s worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.halasweetsmn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halasweetsmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halasweetsmn/