To New Beginnings and Endings
(Left to right) Bradley Whiting, Nicole Weston, Logann Miller, Richie Shreves, Candice Borunda, Zahna Williams.
Sooo....about the long silence.
Sorry about that. Like a hinge date, I ghosted with no explanation, and you all deserve better than that.
So let me start by saying- hi, I’m so happy you’re here! If you’ve returned, thank you and I’m excited to share with you all recent developments (because there’s a lot). And if you’re new, then let me catch you up to speed!
I am an ICU nurse by day and baker by night. Owner of LoLo’s Kitchen, I have been in the baking industry for over a decade with a mixture of home and professional experiences; starting to expand her business. When I last left you all, I was nearing graduation from my business program and preparing for my business pitch (previous post).
This was an accelerated program over three months with night classes that exposed new small business owners – like me- to the world of business. From lawyers, attorneys, CPA’s, insurance reps, and even website designers; participants were provided the amazing chance to speak with these speakers one-on-one for insight and guidance to help bring us success (read more). Started by local chamber members in my area with a deep passion for entrepreneurs, this opportunity was exactly what every entrepreneur dreams of:
A chance.
As the program came to an end and practice pitches began, we were surprised with news of funding; a money award allotted to the best top three pitches. Suddenly, it was game on!
During the month in between my last class and my pitch, there were a lot of hours working my 12-hour shifts and practicing, forcing my boyfriend to listen to my pitch repeatedly rather than binge watching Love Island (huda woulda shoulda, am I right).
The day of the pitch, I was a total mess. Not only did I have to speak in front of 50+ people (including judges and investors!) in just a few hours, but I also thought it’d be a brilliant idea to bake cookies, brownies, and cupcakes… the day of.
Fast forward to an hour before setup: I’m surrounded by trays of baked goods, a sink full of dishes, and pitch notes that are half-covered in chocolate and flour from practicing between batches.
And of course, I also left business cards and note printing until the very last second. Both Staples and Walgreens were having printer issues, so I ended up with 80 cards—40 with just my logo, 40 with just my info—and only 4 pages of my notes instead of the 20 I ordered.
Moral of the story: maybe don’t wait until the day of to do all the things.
Flash forward to arriving, I set the box of baked goods on the judges table and slipped into my chair, nobody noticing where they came from. During my pitch, I spoke of my baking past and mentioned the ones in front of them which caused a surprising amount of shock because “oh my gosh, she made these??”
A major confidence boost mid-pitch, for sure.
Finally, after all contestants gave their pitches and time was spent quietly debating, the judges came to a conclusion.
And I am thrilled to announce that I have officially graduated and awarded second place winner of the pitch competition!!
My lovely friend, Nicole, won first place with her new coffee cart business called Java Cup. She is a huge inspiration and it has been so moving to see her growth. She wowed the judges with her business insights, growing revenue, and her amazing cold brew coffee- I couldn’t have asked for a better opponent! Interested in following her journey? See her page here!
Honestly this whole thing was a whirlwind. I am so thankful for my family during this time. For my sister allowing me to crash her house while I made the entire pitch presentation a few hours it was due, to my mom for listening to all of my anxieties and worries, to my boyfriend for his feedback and willingness to help me in every way, and for my dad who let me use his kitchen knowing damn well I was going to be a hot, stress mess and supporting me despite it.
It’s my family, friends, and mentors that have all helped bring me to where I am now and to where I’m going. It’s one thing to have a dream, it’s another to have people dreaming with you.
So where am I going?
Well, that would be spoiling the surprise now, wouldn't it?
Until next time,
LoLo
Crumb for thought: Have anything proud to share? Show it off in the comments below! Your success is worth celebrating 🎉