Conversations with the Inspiring Ruthie Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruthie Wilson.

Ruthie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have wanted to be a pastry chef ever since the 7th grade. My 7th grade Texas History teacher gave us an assignment to make a model of the Alamo out of whatever we wanted. With the help of my dad, I made mine out of cake! I had always loved watching cooking and baking shows and was already experimenting in the kitchen, but this project really solidified my career choice to become a pastry chef and one day own my own bakery. I took culinary classes through my high school my junior and senior years and through them discovered Johnson & Wales University. Following high school graduation, I spent the next four years at Johnson & Wales University-Denver. I graduated in May 2015 with a Bachelors of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management with a concentration in Meeting and Event Planning. Following college graduation, I put my dream career on hold due to medical issues with my hands. I worked in insurance for a bit, and after some time, I realized that I was not happy and decided to quit my job and pursue my dream by opening a bakery from home. Sugarbug Sweets is in its 6th month of business, and it is continuing to grow. My goal is to eventually move the bakery out of my home and into a retail location in my hometown of Burleson, TX.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening your business is never a smooth road. If it was, everyone would have one. That being said, with each hardship, there is something to be gained. I’ve seen good things come from my struggles whether it has been a new client, a large order, or simply a learning experience that I would have never considered had I not gone through the struggle first. It is also extremely daunting to give up a “normal” occupation and work for yourself. I left a solid 9-5 gig with decent pay to be my own boss. I don’t have a steady income anymore. With a new business can come financial struggles which can lead to emotional struggles as well. But in the end, it’s all worth it. If everything were handed to me, I wouldn’t have to work for anything. And the hard work that goes into building a business is all worth it when you can sit back and say you built something from nothing. For those that are just starting out or are trying to decide if you should take that leap, my advice is just go for it. I was in a situation where I was comfortable financially and had the certainty of a paycheck, but I wasn’t doing what I love. The second I left to do what I am passionate about and what I feel like God put me on this earth to do, I found my happiness. In the beginning, I also struggled with people telling me to wait until I had the money, or wait until I’m older, or wait until I have more experience. That is all fine and good, but at the end of the day, they were all lies. I don’t need to have all kinds of money stored away. I am able to operate from home under Texas Laws, and I make it work. I don’t need to wait until I am older because age is just a number. Being 25 does not mean I’m not “old enough” to own and operate my own business. As far as experience goes, that comes as you deal with your business day to day and figuring out what works best for you and your situation. It is important to get involved in your community. I am a member of my local Chamber of Commerce, and that alone has created so many business and networking opportunities. Lastly and probably the most cliche, don’t give up! It’s easy to throw in the towel on the hard days. The emotional toll that is taken when you go out on your own can be enormous. It is important to have a strong support system of family and/or friends. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Make sure you take care of yourself mentally and physically, as it can be easy to let those things slide when your business becomes your life. Keep your chin up and go for it!

What should we know about Sugarbug Sweets? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in big bakery style cookies. All of my cookies are about three times the size of a normal cookie and are all twists on classic cookies. My most popular flavors are Chocolate Chip Oatmeal, Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry, White Chocolate Coconut Macadamia, and Snickerdoodle. I also make iced sugar cookies, cakes, and other desserts, but cookies are my main product. As a service provider, I pride myself on providing my clients with the highest quality from the ingredients to the finished product. You eat with your eyes, so looks are always important, but I really pride myself on the flavors I am able to put into my food and share with my clients. Nothing brings me more joy than the look of satisfaction on someone’s face after they try my cookies for the first time. I am different from most bakeries in my area because of the size and style of my cookies. My cookies stay soft and chewy and are topped with extra ingredients to add even more flavor and enhance their visual appearance.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I am fortunate that there are many female leaders in my industry. However, being from a small southern town, I still am party to a few barriers that come with being a young female entrepreneur. I am often ignored or overlooked at networking events. I think it may be because I look out of place? I am blessed in the genetics department as far as looking younger than what I really am. I know that one day that will serve me well., But often times at events, people think that I am a teenager there with a parent or think I am lost. I believe that if I was a young male, I would be welcomed and encouraged, but that is not normally the case. Thankfully once I introduce myself and break the ice at these events, people realize that I am passionate about what I do and take me seriously.

Pricing:

• All cookies, bars, brownies, and Rice Krispie treats are $3

Contact Info:

• Website: sugarbugsweets.com
• Phone: 8173436517
• Email: sugarbugsweetstx@gmail.com
• Instagram: @sugarbugsweetstx
• Facebook: @sugarbugsweetstx

Image Credit:
Jarod Murry at KK Art Studio

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