Ten years ago, Southwest Riverside seemed destined for bedroom community status. However, with changes in the economy, entrepreneurship continues to be on the rise. Southwest Riverside County is brimming with small businesses, each one looking for its own piece of the American dream.
Temecula resident Suzanne Herbert displays her popular cake pops. (Courtesy photo)
Meet Temecula resident Suzanne Herbert of Mom and Pop’s Cake Pops:
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We started up our home based business a little over a year ago in March of 2011.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I was born and raised in Mission Viejo, California. I moved to Temecula with my family nine years ago. I have been married for over 24 years and have three kids, Brandon 20, Alyssa, 18, and Blake, 7.
Q: Have you always been an entrepreneur?
A: Not at all, up until nine years ago I worked a desk job for someone else. I have always been a very hard worker, so (I figured) why not work just as hard, for myself?
Q: What inspired you to start up your own Cake Pop business?
A: My neighbor asked me if I knew anyone that made Cake Pops, because she desperately wanted to have some at her daughter’s first birthday party. So I looked them up online and made my first batch the next day. After about twenty tries, I had it down.
Q: Where did you learn to bake?
A: I’ve always enjoyed baking and am sure I have been doing it ever since my first mud pie when I was six-years-old.
Q: What inspired you to take the next step and sell them?
A: I just started posting pictures of my creations on Facebook and before I knew it people started ordering Cake Pops from me.
Q: What kind of marketing do you use for your products?
A: Facebook is the only marketing I do. It’s the best way to harness word of mouth advertising.
Q: Can your cake pops be found in local stores?
A: We’re not in local stores yet, but soon you will find them at a local winery. Stay tuned on Facebook for when and where.
Q: What are the biggest hurdles you’ve overcome so far?
A: The biggest hurdle is time. Cake Pops are pretty time consuming in their construction. (Each pop) is hand-rolled and individually decorated and wrapped. Last minute orders can be challenging as there are only so many hours in a day.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your business?
A: No one is ever sad when you bring them baked goods. Nothing brings me more joy than delivering my pops to customers, and seeing the look of excitement on their faces. And, it’s even better when they take their first bite!!
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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