We were lucky to catch up with Lyn Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lyn with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My dad worked in the field of environmental protection when I was a kid. He always talked about the challenges he faced issuing citations for mega corporations. But no matter how much stress these mega corporations caused him and no matter how hard they tried to get him to cave, he never backed down from what he knew to be right and true.
As for mom, for the first half of my life she was a stay at home mom. When I was approximately 11, she returned to teaching. I saw how hard she worked to make sure her students got the best education possible. I saw the late nights and early mornings she put in to make sure every student learned.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I own Three Boys Bakery, a cottage bakery in the rural south. I started my bakery when my two youngest children and I moved back to my hometown 3 years ago. I had no intention of ever moving back to my tiny hometown, but my parents needed some help. After months of praying and thinking, I made the move.
After moving my parents out of their huge home of 40 years, and getting them settled into their newer, smaller home, I was tasked with the job of cleaning and maintaining their old home. I didn’t realize what a task it was going be and just how neglected the home had been. That’s when I started brainstorming.
Baking had always been a hobby I enjoyed. I always baked my kids’ birthday cakes. I had sold a few cakes here and there to friends. But I had never considered it a viable way to make money. Now, however, I found myself in a position to create a business and fuel my creativity. I started making practice cakes and treats for my family. I read as much as I could digest about bakeries and baking. And then I entered a cake contest … and won 1st place!
That first place win really fueled the fire. I then started selling fancy cupcakes at farmers markets and local events. Next thing I know, I’m making custom cakes, scones, and my own special line of cookies called Bigdaddy Cookies.
Now, a year later, I have a thriving bakery that is growing by leaps and bounds. I am slowly completing a remodel on the front part of my house in order to convert to bakery display rooms and classrooms for decorating classes. I also have plans to eventually convert other parts of my home’s five acres to an event venue!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three biggest qualities I had going into this business were tenacity, positivity, and confidence. No matter how hard this business has gotten, I’ve stuck with it and kept going. Even on the days I thought I couldn’t do one more thing, I persevered. I always have kept my eye on the prize and kept my attitude positive and had a can-do state of mind. Not to mention I never thought I would fail. I was confident that I would be successful as long as I worked hard and presented a quality product to my customers.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Looking back on my upbringing, I have to say it was tough. My dad was a hard-nosed Navy veteran who ruled with an iron fist. My mother was a submissive and emotionally detached mother. However, even with those traits, they raised me to be independent and to never quit. They raised me to believe that if I worked hard and consistent, my dreams would come to fruition. And most importantly, they showed me it was never too late to start. You see, my parents started their own small business, which would grow to be a multi-million dollar business, when my dad was 55 and my mom was 48. They showed me what grit and tenacity was as they plowed headfirst into creating their future.
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