We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Lorge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

The hands that guided me as a child were not smooth, soft, or well-manicured. They were callused and rough; covered in tree sap and sawdust. He was 20 years old when he brought me into this world, and I watched him work very hard every day of my childhood. I also knew why he worked so hard – it was all for us. I was 13 years old when he took ownership of Visions Tree Service, a company he worked with for several years. I’ll never forget the moment he told me. I was so proud that he was my Dad. He showed me just how much hard work can pay off in that moment. From the start, I was helping him type estimates into his computer for invoicing. My role continued to expand until eventually, I decided to pursue a career in another field. I earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a 4.0 graduating GPA. I’ve used my education to achieve measurable sustainability in my Father’s business and create one of my own. I started my licensed cottage food business, Sugar Rush Cake Pops & Confections in the Spring of 2023. In the time since then, I have been blessed to contribute to so many special occasions from weddings; to gender reveals and baby showers; graduations, and 50th birthday parties. It warms my heart to know I was able to help make these events extra special. I was 18 years old when I had my first child, so my oldest son also had the experience of watching his Mama work hard his entire childhood. He also helped our new family business in many ways. And now in his eyes, I see the sparkle of an entrepreneur, the same sparkle my Dad gave me. Family businesses create family businesses that create family businesses. We’ve all seen people talk about breaking generational chains, but this is one I am truly happy to continue.

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.

I have been baking for nearly two decades; and started my cottage food business, Sugar Rush Cake Pops & Confections, in the Spring of 2023. Custom cake pops are our specialty; and are something we create that many other bakeries and cottage food businesses do not. In addition to creating custom cake pops, we make mouth-watering cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more. Our customers enjoy the magic and ambiance of a perfectly coordinated dessert table, filled with a large variety of treat options for their guests. We are a family-owned business that loves creating memorable experiences for your event guests. Check out our website www.sugarrushcakepops.com to see more images of our work, and get started with requesting your custom quote.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Start where you can with what you have. I follow The Buyerarchy of Needs. Use what you have, if you can’t can you borrow it? If no, can you trade with someone for it. If you can’t trade, can you thrift it? If you can’t thrift it, can you make it? If you can’t make it, then save and buy it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Local bulletin board groups on Facebook have been very great to me. They help me connect with people in my area, and have generated numerous followers and orders for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sugarrushcakepops.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarrush_cakepops_confections
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarrushcustomcakepops

Image Credits

Headshots: Sweet Roots Photography