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

Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

After my second child was born, I knew I wanted to make some changes for my mental and physical health. One of those changes was the desire to fuel my body in more wholesome ways. So, I started making things from scratch. I really learned so much and the drive to continue to do this for myself, my family, and others was born. I loved it, but there was something missing. It wasn’t until a friend asked me to make a healthy version of her favorite cake, that I discovered DECORATING with food! That missing artistic piece fell into place and created a pathway to my business now, Mama Bear’s Sweets.

Katie, 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?

Mama Bear’s Sweets makes quality desserts (cupcakes, cakes, cookies, trifles, specialty treats, and more!). I also offer a “Healthy Bear” line which includes delicious granola and protein bars. I am a business certified through the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture as a Cottage Food Producer. All of my goodies are purchased by pre-ordering or shopping at one of my pop up sales. Details are my favorite part! I put a lot of pride into my work. Each flavor has been perfected over the years and is created into a unique piece of art each time you receive something from me. I very much enjoy all of the tiny details on your treats. So much love is poured into each bite and extends into packaging, pick up, and communication. It is my desire that my attention to detail allows my customers a delightful experience. Each one of my customers is treated like family, and I am so very thankful for each of them.
Mama Bear’s Sweets prides itself in not only the foods, but also in other aspects of the business. I strive to have extremely minimal waste in production and packaging. The future of the earth starts with each one of us. I am also proud of the charity work and donations we make on regular basis to give back to our community. So many of my sweet customers participate in our Holiday charity event, and it makes my heart so happy.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I don’t think I’m alone in this, when I say the expectations on social media are deceiving. We get caught up in the “likes” and followers. I have had to relearn what social media can and can’t do for me, and what it means to my business. In the beginning I thought I needed to have a lot of followers and if I didn’t get “likes” on my photos, what I made wasn’t good enough. This was obviously a rollercoaster of emotions, and time wasted. A large number of followers does not equal a successful business. There are so many other aspects; morals, branding, marketing, hard work, innovation, creativity, and quality product EVERY TIME. Once I stopped worrying about the numbers on social media, and was genuinely MYSELF, it fell into place! I was so much happier. Focusing on the important aspects kept business flowing. I am so grateful.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

A while back, I received a really BIG order request from a very well known business. I was so excited, I thought it was a spam email at first!! The feelings of eagerness and excitement were on high! However, In his (the event lead for the company) order request, he asked for my product at a very discounted rate. I had the choice…..do I pay myself next to nothing for A LOT of work to get exposure? That could be good marketing, right? Or do I stand my ground and restate my normal pricing structure. I believe in the work I do and I want to grow my business showing this. I stuck my ground!……..AND they very respectfully paid it in full. To all of you small business owners, don’t feel ashamed for paying yourself a living wage. There are times to invest in marketing and there are times to ask for what you know you deserve. There will always be people who ask for more, and that’s okay. Stick to your standards, work hard, and you will find your people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mamabearssweetsmn.com/
• Instagram: @mamabearssweetsmn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamabearssweetsmn

Image Credits
Mama Bear’s Sweets