Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Osborne.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In 2015 I was planning my daughters’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed birthday party. I wanted a dessert table to fit the theme and after calling numerous bakeries around town, they either could not provide the items I was looking for or they were in my opinion, overpriced. Out of frustration and lack of options, I decided to teach myself how to make what I wanted. Since then, I have been perfecting my craft. I started getting asked to do my friends’ kids’ birthday parties and was encouraged by family and friends to start charging for my services. From there, it went from a hobby to a full-on business. I truly love what I do and I am passionate about providing fun, custom chocolate-covered treats at an affordable price.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. Since I am self-taught there has been a lot of trial and error over the years. I have spent a good amount of money on purchasing supplies simply to just practice and learn all the dos and don’ts. Another struggle was trying to establish what supply vendors to use consistently. It was important to me that I provide a product that looks and tastes the same every time so my customers always know what to expect. Building clientele and networking was essential in the beginning so I had to step out of my shy shell in order to get people to notice my brand and products.
It is always scary to launch a business because you don’t want to fail and a lot of businesses do fail. Also, if you don’t have support from family and friends, that can also be a hindrance. Sometimes people only want to support you when they feel it benefits them or when you have received enough attention.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
First off, I cannot draw! LOL. But my attention to detail and creative side make up for it. I am constantly thinking of new innovative ways to expand my brand so that it stands out and people can see a clear difference between my work and someone else’s. I want to make a good, lasting impression because that establishes positive relationships and clientele.
Ideas come to me randomly all the time and then a few days later I am in the store picking up supplies to create something new. I am extremely passionate about what I do and I never put out anything to my customers that I myself would not be happy receiving.
I think I am most known for the creative toppings I put on my strawberries and pretzels. Most of my clients have never experienced chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels with fruity pebbles, cinnamon, or strawberry shortcake on top until they have seen and tried mine. I also receive a good amount of praise for my dessert table spreads and the way it looks. I am most proud of the professionalism I give to each of my clients. It does not matter if they are ordering 1 dozen strawberries or if I am hosting their company party. You will receive a polite, courteous, and on time me every time. I have had too many unpleasant customer service experiences and I never want to give that to someone else. I love seeing the smiles and sometimes cries of customers who are satisfied with what I have given them or doing above what they expected. I think that is what sets me apart from others.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am allergic to fruit! I work with fruit every day but I cannot eat it. I didn’t develop the allergy until I became pregnant with my first daughter. I grew up loving fruit so it was very hard initially making my treats and not being able to eat them. It’s second nature now but that is usually a pretty big shocker for most.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.AzucarAve.com
- Instagram: @Azucar_Ave
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AzucarAve
