Lauren Warmke shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauren, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m currently in a transitional phase with my business as we’ve just reached our 10-year mark. I’ve realized the need to shift my focus beyond daily operational tasks and truly embody the role of an owner rather than just an operator.
This transition, while necessary, is quite daunting. Change is always a challenge, and the prospect of significant growth brings its own set of fears, particularly concerning increased labor costs and potential operational complexities.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lauren—the owner, baker, and decorator behind Simply Sweets! Located in Hillsborough, NJ, we specialize in custom cakes for weddings and events, along with a weekend bakery open to everyone.
What began in 2015 as a small venture in my home kitchen quickly grew into a passion. After working out of a friend’s catering kitchen, I opened my very own bake shop in 2019, right here in my hometown.
Simply Sweets started as a dream of creating custom orders, but thanks to our amazing community, we’ve turned into a weekend favorite. Now, Saturdays and Sundays are the highlight of my week.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve always been fortunate to have incredible role models who exemplify hard work and passion.
Growing up, I watched my dad run his own carpentry business. He would wake up early every day and consistently put in the effort, teaching me not only how to build things with my hands but also how to establish a business from the ground up. Later, meeting my husband further reinforced this belief, showing me how passion truly makes all the hard work and early mornings worthwhile.
These relationships have profoundly shaped my approach to all aspects of my life, not only my business.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Unfortunately there’s not just one time that made me feel like giving up, as challenges arise almost daily as a business owner.
One particularly trying period was when I was attempting to build my team. I experienced a series of hires who didn’t quite fit the culture I was trying to create, which led me to question my own abilities and leadership. However, it only took one successful new hire to turn things around and reignite my confidence. I think hiring is one thing that no one really expects to be so challenging until they’re in the midst of building a team.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe we all present both public and private versions of ourselves. In business, it’s common advice to avoid showing your “real” self—to steer clear of controversial topics, maintain a certain level of privacy, and set clear boundaries.
However, I’ve found that the more I show my customers the real Lauren, the stronger our connection becomes. This genuine connection is crucial for building a business and a brand, and it’s what truly encourages people to be a part of what I’m creating.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow I think my customers would miss the tradition of weekly visits. For 6 years I’ve been seeing the same customers each week, my employees and I have come to look forward to seeing them and catching up. Even if it’s to chat about the weather. These relationships are a significant part of what makes our work so rewarding and it’s what I’d miss most too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplysweetsbylauren.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysweetsbylauren/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSbyLauren/
Image Credits
Lauren Warmke
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