Piece O'Cake
Naomi Reis
Where are you from originally?
Boynton Beach, Florida
Why did you choose to start your business? And what drew you to your specific business?
I've always wanted to 'be my own boss', and love family-oriented companies. Businesses that bring the community together... ice cream, sweets, and coffees- can't go wrong! I have always had my own ideas and vision for a business as well as positively impacting our customer's lives.
What about your business drew you to it?
The eye for design needed with specialty cakes. I love being a part of a special occasion in someone's life and seeing the simple delight they have when receiving a custom cake catered specifically to their liking and interest.
What do you love most about being a business owner?
Getting to know my employees, building relationships with them, and building a community with customers. I love hearing tidbits of our customer's lives and seeing how our cakes were a part of it. I also love seeing my business operating and thinking 'I started this from nothing'.
How has owning a business changed your view of people?
It's amazing how owning a business has made me see a more 'human' side of people.
What is your favorite treat or flavor from your bakery?
I am a chocolate lover! Chocolate cake with almond buttercream is the way to go for me!
What is your best way to relax?
Sitting in the sun after a long day of work brings great peace and satisfaction for me!
PieceOCakeLLC.com
Dublin Roasters Coffee
Serina Roy
Where are you from originally?
I am from the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and moved here in my early 20's. Since then, Frederick has been my home.
Why did you choose to start your business?
I used to roast coffee as a hobby. Friends, co-workers and neighbors loved my coffee and started buying it. It generated a part-time income, so, in 2000, I filed a business license.
What drew you to your specific business?
I was interested in where coffee was grown and how it was roasted, so I started working at a coffee shop as a barista and then an apprentice roaster. It was the farm to table concept that initially drew me, and then the roasting side was extremely relaxing and soothing for me.
What about your business drew you to it?
I was drawn to creating Dublin Roasters Coffee, as a way to highlight small farmers all around the world. I was able to bring their hard work and passion for growing coffee to Frederick and share my love of roasting coffee.
How has owning a business changed your view of people?
Coming from my last career as a Frederick City Police Officer, I would say it's that I get to see the best side of people now! People are so happy when they are getting freshly roasted coffee!!
What is your favorite coffee treat from your shop?
This is a hard one. I did find myself roasting late into the evening, and I would sneak a Cherry Turnover. They are to die for!
DublinRoastersCoffee.com
Pump + Rye Deli and Market
Sisters, Megan Hook and Amy Nesbit
Where are you from originally?
We are originally from Ellicott City, MD. We moved to Los Angeles together in 2003. Megan came back to Maryland to start her family in 2008, which is also the same year Amy married her husband, LA native artist/architect, Mike Nesbit.
Why did you choose to start your business?
Amy was a chef in LA for 15 years and Megan was in hospitality as a corporate flight attendant, licensed esthetician and makeup artist. We worked for others for so many years we decided we were ready, and it was time to work for ourselves!
What about your business drew you to it?
The restaurant industry is a tough industry to navigate, however the beauty is that it it's different every day. We like the spontaneity of waking up and knowing that no matter what we accomplish during the day, it will never be boring!
What do you love most about being a business owner?
Both of us agree 100% that the best thing about this industry are the relationships we form with not only our incredible customers, but with our staff who we consider our family. We also love the relationships we have formed with our customers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a business?
Be mentally prepared for anything and everything, expect the unexpected, and only do it if you LOVE it. Owning a business is all-consuming, and if you don’t have a passion for it, it’s easy to burn out.
What would your friends say about you?
Amy: I think they would describe me as loyal and protective. I’ll never say no to an adventure, as long as I get to plan it!
Megan: My friends would say that I always have a smile on my face, no matter what.
PumpAndRye.com