If you’re considering starting your own business—or if you have one already—here are a few lessons I’ve learned over the years thanks to the school and my chocolate business.
1. You don’t need to have an MBA to start your business
When I first opened the school, I did it with extreme caution.
Back then, I thought I was only good at working with chocolate. After all, I didn’t have a background in business management or accounting, and those around me who did didn’t necessarily agree with my business ideas and vision for the school.
Almost 10 years later, I’m a firm believer that just because someone is business savvy, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can make a business thrive.
I actually think creativity is just as important as keeping your numbers under control.
2. Creativity is changing your course of action when needed
Here, I’m not talking about being creative in the kitchen.
What I’m referring to is the ability to adapt to your circumstances and reassess how your business operates.
During the Pandemic, I thought I’d have to close the school.
In just a week, I chose to switch to an online school model, and that changed everything. Then came the on-demand classes, subscriptions, and e-books.
Now, the school is hybrid, and I keep putting all my passion into my bonbons, but I also collaborate with other brands and make chocolate decorations (something I never thought I’d do).
The main lesson here is that it’s important to dream big and honor your creativity, but it’s also OK if the way your business works changes over time.
3. “The way you do anything is how you do everything.” -Tom Waits
Here’s my last tip based on the words of this amazing musician.
You need to cultivate your relationships and your skills from the ground up.
A successful business thrives on you having a genuine, honest relationship with your suppliers, workers, customers, and with yourself.
Likewise, you need to be intentional with the quality of your products. If you want to stand out, you need to strive for excellence; for me, that’s a non-negotiable.
Every detail counts, both in the quality of the products you put out, the packaging, marketing, and in the relationships that make it possible for your business to exist and grow.
If you also have a business, what other tips would you include?
-Melissa