6 answers
Natalie
Student
5
Questions
Updated
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What age would i be able to start my own baking business as an owner? I am currently 18 and have plans for schooling until i am about 25.
I would also like to be the manager of my bakery.
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6 answers
Howard Pierceall CEC, CCE WCEC
Chef, Chef Instructor, Business owner
99
Answers
Sun City, Arizona
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Age is a limiting factor for you to go into business. But the biggest factor is having the financial backing to get started. You need money to start any business. Next, you need a good business plan. Once you have the plan do your homework. Research all of the costs for your business. Plug those costs into your plan and see if they work. If they do you need to follow your plan and stay focused to be successful. Learn as much as you can about the business you want to do. Get a job working in that business to see if you like it and can do it. Be flexible as you move forward. Practice and work hard. Ask questions and get help whenever you can.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Kathy Laneaux
Cake Decorator/Finisher
21
Answers
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
I don't believe there is an "age" for starting a business.
I know kids that have started a business but it's under the guidance of their parents. Since you are 18, there is no need for your parents to be involved unless you want them as advisors. That will belong in the business section of the state that you are from.
As a "craft" you can start a small business, nothing legally, at this time as long as you are following state guidelines. Usually for financial reasons.
Where you have to start an actual business, state, taxes, etc...that will be when you are ready to venture out from the "craft" to a business, not only in name but in title...ex: LLC, Soul Proprietor, etc... that will be more professional and legal.
Have a business plan ready.
Know who are your targeted clients.
Know what kind of "bakery" you want to have. Not all bakeries do the same thing. Some are more specific for desserts and cakes, others are breads and sandwiches. you just have to know your niche.
Ask yourself the question, "What is it that makes my product so much different from the others"
"Why should anyone buy my baked good as oppose to those down the street bakery or the supermarket bakery?"
Once you have decided to do such, talk it over with a financial advisor. They will direct you to where you have to go.
Financially, legally, whether it is online, in a brick and mortar or just where you are dealing with events, like a caterer or however you want to be your business.
Know what the state requirements are. Each state is different as well as online. New laws for online business.
Know your health codes.
If you already know exactly what you want, then go for it. Otherwise, I would suggest you get your feet wet by working for someone else in the same manner. Test the waters. See if this is exactly what you want.
Don't go by what TV is showing, those are shows and they bypass a lot or realization of what the business is like.
Get the experience and who knows, you might change your mind.
The reason why I say this...you might want to experience sugar pulling and or being a chocolatier. That takes time, money and experience.
The baking industry isn't just creating, it's getting experience and knowledge.
Don't jump into it so you can say you "own" something.
Along with that "ownership" comes responsibility too, be ready.
Hope this helps.
I know kids that have started a business but it's under the guidance of their parents. Since you are 18, there is no need for your parents to be involved unless you want them as advisors. That will belong in the business section of the state that you are from.
As a "craft" you can start a small business, nothing legally, at this time as long as you are following state guidelines. Usually for financial reasons.
Where you have to start an actual business, state, taxes, etc...that will be when you are ready to venture out from the "craft" to a business, not only in name but in title...ex: LLC, Soul Proprietor, etc... that will be more professional and legal.
Have a business plan ready.
Know who are your targeted clients.
Know what kind of "bakery" you want to have. Not all bakeries do the same thing. Some are more specific for desserts and cakes, others are breads and sandwiches. you just have to know your niche.
Ask yourself the question, "What is it that makes my product so much different from the others"
"Why should anyone buy my baked good as oppose to those down the street bakery or the supermarket bakery?"
Once you have decided to do such, talk it over with a financial advisor. They will direct you to where you have to go.
Financially, legally, whether it is online, in a brick and mortar or just where you are dealing with events, like a caterer or however you want to be your business.
Know what the state requirements are. Each state is different as well as online. New laws for online business.
Know your health codes.
If you already know exactly what you want, then go for it. Otherwise, I would suggest you get your feet wet by working for someone else in the same manner. Test the waters. See if this is exactly what you want.
Don't go by what TV is showing, those are shows and they bypass a lot or realization of what the business is like.
Get the experience and who knows, you might change your mind.
The reason why I say this...you might want to experience sugar pulling and or being a chocolatier. That takes time, money and experience.
The baking industry isn't just creating, it's getting experience and knowledge.
Don't jump into it so you can say you "own" something.
Along with that "ownership" comes responsibility too, be ready.
Hope this helps.
Jonathan Ostrowicki
Solutions Architect
1
Answer
Pensacola, Florida
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
it's hard to give you an answer on the age of when you can. But if you work backwards from your goal, you can put together a timeline.
You have already started that, identifying that you want to have your own baking business.
1 - Ask yourself what your role will be in your business? Will you be baking? Managing the business? Both items?
2 - Talk to people that are already doing what you want to do. It's fine if you don't know someone. Call a few local bakeries and ask them if you can interview them . Ask them what questions are important to ask yourself, and ask them. It may sound silly, but this helps you ask questions you may have never though of.
3 - Use this info to make a list of skills and other needs.
4 - Ask yourself how you can start working on those tasks / skills. How long will it take to learn these. Talk to people who have learned the skills or done the tasks.
As you have these conversations, write them down. Organize your thoughts into order of first to last. Attach a timeline to each item. And at that stage you will have your answer. Best of luck,!
You have already started that, identifying that you want to have your own baking business.
1 - Ask yourself what your role will be in your business? Will you be baking? Managing the business? Both items?
2 - Talk to people that are already doing what you want to do. It's fine if you don't know someone. Call a few local bakeries and ask them if you can interview them . Ask them what questions are important to ask yourself, and ask them. It may sound silly, but this helps you ask questions you may have never though of.
3 - Use this info to make a list of skills and other needs.
4 - Ask yourself how you can start working on those tasks / skills. How long will it take to learn these. Talk to people who have learned the skills or done the tasks.
As you have these conversations, write them down. Organize your thoughts into order of first to last. Attach a timeline to each item. And at that stage you will have your answer. Best of luck,!
Thanks that helps alot! :]
Natalie
Justin Montalvo
Assistant Chef II
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Entrepreneurship knows no age limits! Remember, you'll need to grab a business license and the necessary permits based on your state and federal rules. It would be a great idea to take a few business classes and perhaps even try out an internship. Hands-on experience can be a real game-changer in helping you figure out if this is the path you really want to follow, or if you'd like to explore a different career direction. I truly believe that you can accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to. Wishing you the best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am your have interest to run your bakery.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Attend bakery related courses and management courses
2. Start learning and practising your bakery skill. There are plenty of resources online
3. Work in a bakery some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Attend bakery related courses and management courses
2. Start learning and practising your bakery skill. There are plenty of resources online
3. Work in a bakery some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Would I only put pictures on my chosen website first?
Natalie
Johnny Harris
Management
1
Answer
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Johnny’s Answer
First you need to gain professional experience within any baking industry business. With any skill, you want to master your art or craft. If they say most businesses don’t last 2 years from the start date then it’s best to not go into business with the mindset of winging it. You will need to learn food budget and be cost efficient. The correct way of measuring will save you tons of money from waste. You will also need to be time controlled and able to master scheduling. I would say with the experience being dedicated and eager about what you want for your career than you can make it by 25. Also budgeting your own finances will help you in the long run because it will help you financially within this field. The business plan will come along. It’s not about the look of the business rather the importance of the product. Food safety and quality control will also help tremendously. It will make you a penny pincher fyi.