We were lucky to catch up with Suhelen Gutierrez recently and have shared our conversation below.
SUHELEN, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
As a former correctional officer. I learned the importance of being a good citizen. Respect and honesty. I integrity is very important. I treat my customers like family. They are a huge part of my success.
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?
After working as a correctional officer for the Arizona department of corrections full time for 14 years. I baked and did orders on the side. Have 25 years of experience. I really wanted to open my Bakery and work for myself. As I have a huge clientele and family that support my business. I’m grateful for all the support which I strive to provide not only a great product, but a good relationship for my customers.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
How I mentioned. Being a female correctional officer at a male correctional facility was a challenge. Great experience yet the worry of something happening never left my mind. As I have my business I decided to follow my dream and open a store front. Where I could provide desserts and cakes for my customers.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding my business was hard. Which still is. I took out my retirement money to start a new jurney. Following a dream for myself and daughters to be togegher and work along each other at a safer environment. It has been a constant challenge. Specially after getting ripped off by a contractor. I have had to use credit cards, loans, etc. Just to follow my dream.
Contact Info:
- Other: Sgcakes13 on instagram
