Does this sound like you?

Technology is moving at such a fast pace and it’s difficult can’t keep up.
Customer expectations are changing and you feel the need to level-up your business technology.
You need to accept payments from anywhere but aren’t sure how it works or have concerns about mobile transactions.
You need tech help for yourself or your employees, and the lack of support is causing productivity issues.
You already have invested in technology, but nothing works together, and it’s slowing down your business growth.
You aren’t sure which technology is best for your business, which social media platforms you should be on, or what is needed and what is not.

I’m here to help you stress less, level up and grow your business! So you don’t have to eat all the chocolate.

A Little About Me

First, I truly understand the time and resources a small business owner invests in their business. Growing up in my family’s business and literally spending most of my childhood years hanging out in the shop, gave me appreciation and tenacity for the entrepreneurship journey.

Second, I have been an IT professional for over 25 years and have always worked with programs, email marketing (before it was even called that,) and business office technology. Creating efficiencies and solving business problems with technical solutions is my jam!

If my technical services can free up time for owners or managers to be with their family or work on honing their craft, well, then we both have succeeded.

The Journey of a Business Owner

If you’re new to the entrepreneurship world, the following steps on the journey to business success may offer some help or lighten the mood.

#1 – Remember, It’s a Journey – Not a Destination

There’s a lot of sensationalism out there about “Hustling” or being a “Boss Babe” or “Girl Boss.” So, here’s a little dose of reality. ⠀

I 🤦🏻‍♀️had completely underestimated the emotional, mental, and physical challenges that I would face in becoming my own boss. ⠀
⠀
I learned the journey takes a lot of time, patience, determination, and a community.

#2 – Invest in Your Business Along the Way

🤑Invest in your business by investing in yourself. Get a coach, go to therapy, go to workshops, read books, get involved with like-minded people… to name a few. ⠀
⠀
🔨Get out of the DIY hustle mindset and get support instead. ⠀
⠀
Don’t be cheap with your dreams. Invest wisely in education, professional help, time, patience and a community of others who will encourage you to 💇🏻‍♀️comb your hair, wipe off the slept-in mascara 👀and put on fresh lipstick 💄.

#3 – Give yourself permission to go slow and get help carrying the load

The biggest lesson that I have learned is that it takes time to build a brand. You can’t rush it. If you try to rush your work, networking, and marketing, it will feel like you’re carrying a 100-pound bag of squashes (literally, see this poor guy above.)

Work with someone who can help you carry some of the load. Can someone lend him a hand, please?!

#4 – Set your feet on a firm foundation

Invest money and time in courses, coaching or studying books. Listen to Podcasts and learn what others are doing in your industry. Join networking or community groups where people are there to learn, not just pass out business cards.

I believe you either invest upfront or eventually, you’ll end up investing while you’re in the middle of a tough season. Do it before you start and set your feet on a firm foundation.

Why All the Sweet Stuff?

I’ve always been fascinated by baking. I even tried to go to school to become a Pastry Chef, but at the time my life was full of my 7 am to 7 pm career that I had to give up the one that wasn’t paying.

Over the many many years, I’ve poured myself into learning how to create custom decorated sugar cookies. It’s amazing what you can learn on YouTube! Designing treats with sugar on top of sugar is creative, challenging and makes people smile.

You will see some of my favorite sets made for a few birthday parties and a local Oktoberfest.

A Baking Set for a fellow baker!

My most favorite set that I ever made! How cute is the muffin tin? You’ll see my watermark “CM” in the photo. At one time, I was known as “Cookie Mary.”