Today we’d like to introduce you to Leone Siharath.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated college in 2005 and entered corporate America shortly after. I’ve had a successful career as a project manager in Real Estate and IT, but a couple of years ago, I felt that I needed a new challenge in my life… one that I had some more passionate about.
In 2015 moved to California to take another job and then one day it dawned on me that I didn’t want to be in a cubical the rest of my life. I wanted to be around people, have flexibility, and be around positive energy… bring smiles. I’ve always loved anything sweet and Gigi’s cupcakes just happened to be one of my favorites treats I would bring to any special event. I love celebrating life’s milestones with the people I care about. Since I worked in a commercial real estate in my prior years, I started thinking about what the startup costs would be to own a franchise and be my own boss.
I knew it was going to be a challenge starting off and that I would need some major help and patience to follow through, but I just decided to go for it with the hope that one day I could make the transition out of corporate America. I had to make some sacrifices while still holding down my 9-5 job to get things going, but we finally opened in October 2017. We’ve gotten great feedback from the local community so far and I’m excited about what the future brings!
Has it been a smooth road?
As a franchisee, I’ve gotten great support from the corporate offices, but it has not come without some struggle. They were going through multiple changes with the marketing team which was confusing on direction and strategy. As a business owner, you want to focus on operations and training in the beginning, but marketing is so important to get the word out.
I also had a very hard time finding quality workers that wanted to stick to the job. Even to this day, it’s been hard to find and keep good employees. Financially, January was a very slow month so having enough capital to float the bad months is very hard. I still work my full-time job to supplement where I can. In a nutshell, there are not enough hours in a day!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Gigi’s Cupcakes Richardson story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in the best gourmet, luxury, cupcakes baked fresh every day. We have them is original size and even minis. But we also offer personal size cheesecakes (in a variety of flavors) and cookies and bread loaves that are just as amazing. We can do any of the flavors as a cake, will deliver within 10 miles and cater. What sets us apart is our amazing taste and presentation. our signature Gigi’s swirl is for the frosting lovers. The higher the swirl, the closer to heaven, as we like to say.
I’m most proud that the cupcakes we sell are a small work of art and the taste is even better! These recipes are a family tradition that has been handed down and Gigi herself started from the bottom to make the company where it is today. I was inspired by her story as an independent woman. Her values and support are ingrained in the corporate structure and the franchisees.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
Business is growing and they are looking to expand the footprint and national recognition of our brand. More people are starting to get familiar with us so I see them having another 25-50 stores in the next 5-10 years. I see us making a bigger impact in social marketing and more business to business accounts. Our menu changes with the seasons so there are always delicious flavors to try.
Pricing:
- $3.75 per cupcake
- $40 for a dozen ($5 off)
- $18-$20 for a dozen minis (depending on flavor)
- 3.95 for Cheesecakes
- $3.50 for Signature cookie
Contact Info:
- Address: 1920 N. Coit Road, Suite 211 Richardson, TX 75080
- Website: www.gigiscupcakesusa.com
- Phone: 469-399-1640
- Email: Gigisrichardson@gmail.com
- Instagram: @GigiscupcakesRichardson
- Facebook: @GigisCupcakesRichardson
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/d2txLD14ek
Image Credit:
Daniel Song
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