We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Barral. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.
Hi Natalie, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self care is extremely important. If I feel stressed out or frustrated I will put on my favorite music. I love Ludovico Einaudi. His instrumental music allows me to close my eyes and immerse myself in the music. My brain will begin to clear up and I am able to calm down. I do also enjoy emo music and old school rap. Dancing and yelling helps get out my frustrations.
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 am a single mom to one amazing child. Growing up I’ve always like baking and cooking. Both my mom and grandma taught me the skills I have. I started my small business Classic NB Sweets and More in 2021. My friends have always said my fudge and baked goods are delicious and that I should try selling them. I began selling fudge and cinnamon pecans at local pop ups. I did ok the first few pop ups and started to expand my menu. I added snickerdoodles, peanut butter fudge, rocky road fudge and spicy ranch pretzels. I bring samples to the pop ups and I always enjoy people’s faces when they like my product. A smile from a happy customer makes me happy.
When I’m not doing pop ups, I will bake various muffins, cookies, cupcakes and brownies for birthday parties or my son’s school. Occasionally I am asked to make more savory items such as quiches, egg cups, and pasta salads. While I prefer baking, I am open to cooking meals. Ultimately I would like to start a small catering service.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first quality is patience. Sometimes things will take a little longer to bake or something doesn’t mix right. You have to be patient and not get frustrated or else it won’t turn out right. I’ve under baked things or burned food because I couldn’t wait for it to be done fast enough.
The second quality is creativity. I like coming up with new frostings for cupcakes, cookie flavors and fudge flavors.
The third quality/skill is enjoyment. I love baking and enjoy doing it. I don’t think I would have even started my business if I didn’t have that feeling. I put on my music when I’m making fudge and dance while making it. The most enjoyable part of being a baker is licking the spoon or tasting a fresh baked cookie.
My advice would be to just have fun and believe in yourself. There will be good days and bad days. I have burned many a dish, but succeeded with many.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people who have been most helpful are my friends and family. They were my first customers and biggest cheerleaders. They also enjoy being taste testers. I would also like to thank fellow small business owners. I have met so many amazing people at pop ups. There are a few that I vend with often, Dedes Sweet Tooth and Crystal’s Ideas. Both ladies have started a group called Big Dream Market and host pop ups at various locations. They have helped me figure out how much product to bring, pricing, packaging and marketing. They’ve also helped me make connections with other people. Connections are key to making any business grow and I am thankful I have made the right ones. I hope everyone starting out on a new journey is able to have the best support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @classicnb_jadore_manger
