Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caitlin Schumacher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caitlin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My mom and dad did a whole lot of things right! First of all, they absolutely showed my brothers and me unconditional love. Never for one moment of my life have I ever questioned that I am loved and cherished by my parents – I think that sense of security really allows children to have confidence and the freedom to explore what they’re passionate about without fear of judgement. I always felt supported in pursuing whatever interest I had from ballet to tennis, veterinary medicine, cooking…I even had a period of obsession with Egyptology and I recall my parents taking me to museums to see artifacts and helping me recreate one of Cleopatra’s necklace in beads. Whatever little project or interest I had, they were all about helping me explore it.
Secondly, my parents made it seem cool to work hard and be knowledgeable. They put the highest value on education, but also instilled the mentality that putting in effort in worthwhile. I remember in high school I was slacking a bit on my schoolwork and my dad said ‘I’m not mad at you, but what’s the point in doing something if you’re not going to do it right?’ I think that’s really carried over into my career – I’ve never had a job just to have a job or just to get a paycheck. I’ve always chosen jobs that I’m interested enough in that I want to perform really well. Because if not, then what’s the point?
Finally, my parents always told me how important it was for me to be self-sufficient; that I would have more choices and freedom in the world if I was able to support myself and not rely on someone else to take care of me. They wanted me to have the ability, confidence and resources to leave a bad situation if necessary. They taught me that working hard translated to independence.
Caitlin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Food and cooking has always been the central interest and gathering point for my family, but it wasn’t until after college that I started cooking professionally. I got the opportunity to work at a well-known restaurant called Magnolia Grill in Durham, NC. I adored my boss, Karen Barker, who was the co-owner (along with her husband Ben), a celebrated pastry chef and a fantastic teacher. I really felt that I had found my calling in pastry and restaurants and I aspired to become a pastry chef like Karen. I started dating a line cook during my employment there (now my husband), and we decided to move to San Francisco together, and later on to Charleston. Before opening my business, I was the pastry chef at FIG in Charleston for 6 years. I always aspired to be a business owner and got the opportunity to purchase a fully outfitted food truck from a friend of mine. I opened Girl Nextdough with my dad in September 2021.
We specialize in sourdough bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Everything is made from scratch and we focus on using as much local products as possible like eggs from Storey Farms, benne seed from Anson Mills, and coffee from Cooper River Roasters. We have a regular parking spot on James Island in front of CornerCopia market and run our service on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am- noon. What we really love is having that regular parking spot in our own neighborhood – our neighbors have been so wonderful and loyal to us and it’s great to feel like part of the community.
Outside of our weekend services, we offer catering (with or without the truck), small wedding cakes and desserts, holiday pre-order specials and participate in events and markets around the area from time to time.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
We keep in touch with our clients by keeping our business small and being there ourselves. It is just me and my dad on the truck – I cook and he runs the window. By personally showing up each weekend, we get to know our clients which has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve made so many new friends, met our customers dogs and brand new babies, memorized what our regulars like to order. I think people have been so loyal because they can see it’s two real people running the show – they can put our faces to the product they’re buying and they know they’re supporting a small local business where the product is made by hand and with a lot of care.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I have a very small team but I would say we have very high morale. The best advice I can give is to try to be optimistic and try to have fun. Find the silver lining in unfortunate situations and try to use those moments as learning experiences. As the leader, you can’t fall apart in front of your team,. You have to set the tone with your attitude and work ethic. Additionally, I don’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t be willing to do myself – whether that’s a gross cleaning project or an annoying prep task.
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