After starting Donut Bouquet Canberra in 2019, Kristy realised how coveted the baked goodies were during the pandemic as a way to spread love and joy. What began as a small donut business run by one woman is now a full-range edible gift delivery service, employing nine people and continuing to bring smiles to the local community.
What tactics have you found most effective for networking?
Face-to-face connections and events, whether it be local markets, party catering, or networking events/forums, have proven very fruitful for establishing new connections and expanding on my existing connections. With online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, I have been able to develop not only a bigger customer base, but also extremely effective business partnerships. I have also built professional relationships with, and through, reaching out to local small businesses such as Bloomin’ Mad Flowers and Unicorn Spirits.
Who inspires you?
My mum is a massive influence – she was a single mum raising four children and working multiple jobs at once. Her work ethic, resilience, patience, drive and ability to pick herself up and dust herself off shaped me greatly. Whenever faced with a tough decision, I always ask myself, “What would Mum do?”
How do you stay up to date with developments in your industry?
I have found some great inspiration from seeing what businesses of the same type are doing in different countries. I have increased my skills in using Google products to get the most out of my web page. I have also developed my photography skills. I am constantly looking for ways to improve what I offer and add new items, researching on the internet, through social media, and even referring to some of my mum’s old cookbooks.
What are some important qualities women require to excel in their careers?
Patience, kindness and a willingness to work LONG hours. In saying that, the ability to be flexible is also important. I am also a full-time carer for my mother and my work allows me to invest time with her whilst allowing me to develop and grow the business, often after hours.
How do you approach goal setting to achieve long-term success?
I have planned out with my family how this business may look in 12 months, two years, and five years. As I have family members from my kids to my partner, close friends and relatives involved in the business, we look at where we see the potential to lift it to a higher calibre or expand on our already amazing range. It is important for me to keep in mind our lifestyle and the capacity we have to achieve the goals we have set out. To do this, we have weekly meetings to discuss the previous week’s orders, preparations and output to look at where we can improve, all whilst still loving the heck out of our job!
I also look a little further down the road. Using statistics from our sales, I can look at what my best sellers are and make informed decisions on what I may want to focus on in three months’ time, where I can improve, redistribute funds proactively, or advertise better.
Any questions, email [email protected] or call 0434 474 924.
Shop online at donutbouquetcanberra.com
