We are all in the middle of practicing physical distancing, and while this time is very challenging for everyone right now, it is especially difficult for small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we need to support them however we can, so every week we will be featuring some of our local small businesses.
The Sweet Side is our sixth business in our Small Business Sunday series.
What is unique about your business or What made you choose this type of business?
From our story on our website:
Once upon a time, two sisters grew up with a mutual love for baking. One day in the summer of 2009, Roslyn told her husband, “If I were to start a business, I think it would be a bakery.” That thought sat on the shelf until the summer of 2011, when Torey blogged, “Someday I would like to own a bakery.” The two sisters sat down for coffee and a dream was born… a dream which very quickly became a reality! Almost immediately they started to see a market for baking, and moved from the farmer’s market scene to home deliveries, and then into corporate gifts and events, and weddings.
Delivery and online sales is what has made our business unique from the start. We are able to take on larger orders and take on more customization because we don’t need to cater to walk-in traffic. As well, because of our online store, we are able to provide a connection between people who live on opposite sides of the world– one very common story is one half of a couple in a place like India or the Philippines who sends a delivery to their other half in the Edmonton area for a birthday or anniversary. After the order is delivered, we email a photo to the sender, and they have told us this makes them feel like they were a part of the celebration.
What is your favourite small business (aside from your own)?
We love Core Movement Pilates in Spruce Grove!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
At the beginning, you will work for love and not money. Be prepared to give more than you think you have, to work hard for seemingly small returns, and above all, ALWAYS do what you say you are going to do.
What are your long-term business goals?
I would love to see my kids get involved in the business as they get to a working age, and have something that can be passed down in the future.
What is your funniest/weirdest/most memorable experience with a customer or client?
We had a guy once email over 40 times in less than 12 hours, setting up a delivery to a girl in Edmonton. He was very concerned that her parents not find out about the delivery, and kept checking in to make sure I understood, and to change the note we were writing on the box, multiple times. I began to worry I was getting mixed up in a sketchy situation! Despite the drama of the emails, the delivery turned out to be quite benign. Now whenever a customer sends an exorbitant amount of emails, we wonder if they might be related to him!
If you want to get your hands on these amazing, tasty cakes check out The Sweet Side’s website here.
Be sure to follow The Sweet Side on Facebook here, and be sure to check them out on Instagram here.
Thank you, Roslyn and The Sweet Side, for participating in our Small Business Sunday series!
