We recently connected with Larissa Palos and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Larissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The biggest challenge to profitability in this business is keeping up with the cost of ingredients. Everything is going up including flower, sugar, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, etc. Butter in particular has increased by double the price! Having to raise your price is already hard let alone trying to make a profit since the main ingredient is butter in most recipes. I will never sacrifice the quality over cost. I am very thankful that most of my clients understand where I am coming from when ordering and know I’m not just raising the prices just because.
Larissa, 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?
My name is Larissa Palos I am the proud owner of Larissas Pastries. As a young child I was always very artistic and loved baking with my Grandmothers. When I was in high school I started making Brownies, Cookies, Cakes, and cupcakes for family members. A little after that I was selling to family, their co-workers and friends. Before I knew it I was getting request of items/designs I had never done before. Fast forwarding to now a couple of years later here I am being part of celebrations year after year. I am very grateful and blessed to have my loyal customers who keep me busy and spread the word to others. If it wasn’t for them I would not be here having an interview or let alone being open. I now offer decorated cookies which is what I have mainly shifted my focus on, but of course still offer the basics of cupcakes, cakes, rice crispy treats, etc. Making it more convenient for my clients to get all their sweets needs in one place. Turning any design weather its a cartoon character, business logo or even personal drawing into a cookie and seeing my clients reaction has to be one of the best things ever! Maintaining a full time job and business is a lot to handle, with the dream of one day only working for myself and taking it to another level. One thing about me is I am always open to new ideas and will work with my clients on filling their sweet treat dreams! When I do have a client asking for something I have never done before I always make sure to take the extra time and research/practice whatever design or item they are wanting. Making sure its perfected before the order is due and having a satisfied client.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During covid when everything was shutting/everyone was getting laid off is when I took that chance and gave my business everything I had. Being laid off was not so bad for me because it gave me the time I needed to see what I could accomplish. Business was thriving. I was offering cookie kits for the kids to do and keep busy while being stuck at home. Having holiday Pr-Order sales. But then life hit again after everything was opening up and people weren’t placing that many order any more. For a moment I thought about calling it quits and just for get about my business ever growing. I had bills to pay and orders just weren’t picking up. At that moment I knew I had to go back out and get a full time regular job again. After taking a couple months off just so I can focus on growing my career at work I decided to come back and start having per-order sales again just in time for Mothers Day. I shared everywhere including in Facebook groups and market place. Orders were coming in hot! I knew I could not just let me business go just for going through a rough patch. I was able to find a balance working a full time job and keeping my business growing at the same time.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
When it comes to getting new clients one thing I have noticed is they were referred by someone. People love supporting business that are recommend by others. Another way is having a giveaway and your current clients share is a easy way to get more orders. When they share the post about the giveaway they often also share about their personal experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/larissas.pastries?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larissaspastries
Image Credits
Larissas Pastries