We recently connected with Shannon Connolly and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.
I grew up in a home where my parents ran their own business. I got a front row view of how hard it is to own and run a business but it has been embedded into me. I tried climbing the ladder in every field of work I have experienced but nothing stuck. I was putting all my time and effort into someone else’s dream.
Eventually I leaned into baking because it’s familiar, and something I thrive in. I eventually want to hand this business over to my children but not until I have worked out all the issues. I want to be able to give them a thriving business with loyal clientele. I do not want them to have to struggle like I have in this process.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the typical worn out educator. I thought I could change the standard of teaching and when I realized I couldn’t I followed my own dream.
Honey Baked Bee is a small gothic bakery located in the heart of Church Hill. There are so many fantastic cafes, bakeries and restaurants that flood this market. I decided that in order to be different our baking style and delivery has to stand out. Our little bakery holds gothic aesthetic and over side baked good with a northern twist. Our half pound cookies have become an everyday staple item that keeps customers wanting more.
I am proud of how far I have come in a year. Opening a business is scary but I have learned so much in the short period we have been open.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
We have recently invested into marketing to our wedding customers. It was a risk in the slower months of the business but it has given our business momentum moving forward.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Getting to know our customers and their stories. I love getting to know who I am serving. I am very real and upfront about my struggles and my children are in the bakery with me daily. My customers have watched me grow from nothing and they deserve all the credit for continuing to believe in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HoneyBakedBee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybakedbeerva/profilecard/?igsh=MXNqNzEzZXhpN2dsNQ==
Image Credits
None