Susie Sarich, Founder and CEO of SusieCakes, created a whole new industry before there were any multi-unit from-scratch bakeries in the US. She shares the many challenges she went through to bring dozens of stores to California and Texas (and expanding) over the past 20 years, including the naysayers along the way who questioned the viability of her business model. This conversation is so rich and delicious, and a true celebration of connection — just like a Susie Cake.
Where the conversation went:
- Susie shares how SusieCakes’ story is rooted in memories from her two grandmothers’ kitchens, and the life lessons she learned from them.
- Susie witnessed women leaving the hospitality industry in droves — an industry that she loved and was passionate about — and set out to create a model that allowed women to have progressive careers in the industry without making them work nights and weekends and holidays.
- The lightbulb moment when the idea for SusieCakes all came together.
- Susie talks about how the model for SusieCakes was built extensively around the mission of connecting through celebration, something that she saw was missing in people’s lives. And that we all still crave 20 years later.
- Susie’s soon-to-be successful business was rejected by bank after bank after bank, where she was told that “baking is not a viable business.”
- Less popular in 2004 than it is today, Susie began crowdfunding for SusieCakes after striking out with traditional funding methods.
- Even with the naysayers, Susie was certain in this business. She shares what kept her focused on where she knew it was going.
- The moment when Susie knew when she knew SusieCakes was truly on its way.
- And then Covid. Susie gets real and honest about how devastating Covid was for her and the business, and how they coped through it.
- Susie gives advice to new or aspiring entrepreneurs.
- As always, Kate and Scott discuss their takeaways from the conversation. And Kate orders a SusieCake for her daughter’s birthday.
Update: It’s unbelievably delicious and a special way to celebrate!
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