Sweet Occasions Cake Studio heats up in Schaumburg

An interview with Cindy Brown, owner of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio in Schaumburg.

Q: Describe your business. What do you do?

A: We do all kinds of cakes for all occasions, also dessert catering, and we have a small storefront for walk in customers to purchase cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, candy and more. The more the traffic increases, the more variety we will have. We specialize in cake art, as displayed in the photo.

Q: What made you start your business?

A: This business started as a hobby after I took a couple of cake classes. I developed a passion for cake art. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Every project is a new artistic challenge.

Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?

A: The most difficult obstacle in starting the business was anticipating all of the requirements of local and state governments. No matter how much research and planning you do, there are things that come up

that you don’t expect and you didn’t budget for.

Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?

A: I enjoy that I am able to be a small part of everyone’s celebrations. I get to take their theme for their party and turn it into the centerpiece. I’ve met a lot of really nice people.

Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: This is not what I pictured myself doing when I was young. I’ve had many jobs, but it’s very rewarding to be doing something now that I have a passion for. Everyone should have the opportunity to do something that they love, I’m very fortunate.

Q: What keeps you up at night?

A: Even though I’m a planner, I always worry that I’ll forget to do something with someone’s order that they requested. I keep a note pad and pen on the nightstand for reminders and late night design ideas.

Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?

A: I would advise a rookie business owner to remember that every customer deserves to be met with a smile and a great attitude. And when they start to hire employees to make sure to teach them to do the same.

Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.