✦ Madison Wilson, owner of Any Occasion Cakes and Party Food, Letz Get Lit, Love Letters Port Macquarie and Little Whispers Picnics & Teepees shares how success does not come easy but is certainly sweet when you find the right support for your business journey.
Can you share a time when you faced a significant challenge while working towards building your business?
Of course! I have had many! And I openly discuss them because what better way to learn and grow, right? One significant challenge I faced while building my business was navigating the increased cost of living post-COVID. As the overall cost of life rose, many people found it difficult to allocate funds for parties and events, which did directly impact our business. This required us to rethink our strategies and offerings to better align with our clients' financial constraints.
Another was how we as full-time working parents would raise four children, attempt to manage a demanding work schedule all while trying to grow the businesses. This meant constantly striving for an effective work-life balance. It was essential to ensure I remained present and supportive for my children, despite the hectic pace of my professional life.
In addition, differentiating our business in a competitive events industry was crucial. We achieved this by becoming a one-stop party shop, crafting our own unique products such as handmade sunglasses walls, lolly dispensary walls, audio guest book phone booth, our Polaroid wall and our most amazing achievement to date - opening a storefront in Wauchope!!
Check out Maddie's delicious creations
These approaches have allowed us to build a loyal customer base that really do follow us wherever we go and with whatever direction we have chosen to venture on. Emphasizing collaboration over competition has helped us forge strong relationships with those who reciprocate respect within the industry, fostering a supportive and mutually beneficial community for all!
These challenges tested my resilience and determination, but ultimately strengthened my commitment to making my businesses a success. I am proud, I am strong and I am valued.
"In Port Macquarie and its surrounds, there are numerous cake and events businesses, and I take joy in celebrating their creations as much as I do in crafting my own. Ultimately, the happiness of our clients on their special occasions is our primary focus.
Take a look at how Madison can help totally light up your special celebrations!
What advice would you give to micro-business owners?
While I acknowledge my current strengths, I am steadfast in my commitment to continuous learning and personal development. Recognising that there is always room for growth. It's important to stay up to date with industry trends and to continue to be as innovative as possible.
💡 Focus on Your Unique Value Proposition
Clearly define what makes your business special and differentiates it from competitors. This unique value proposition should be central to your marketing and messaging.
💡Know Your Target Audience
Understand who your ideal customers are, what their needs are, and how your product or service can solve their problems or fulfill their desires.
💡 Build Relationships
Cultivate strong relationships with your customers, suppliers, and other businesses in your community or industry. Networking and word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful for micro businesses.
💡 Embrace Digital Tools
Take advantage of technology and digital tools that can help streamline operations, manage finances, market your business online, and communicate with customers effectively.
💡 Monitor Cash Flow
Cash flow management is crucial for small businesses. Keep a close eye on your finances, manage expenses wisely, and ensure you have enough working capital to sustain and grow your business.
💡Adaptability and Flexibility
Stay agile and be prepared to adapt to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and industry trends. Being flexible can help you seize new opportunities and navigate challenges.
💡 Continuous Learning and Improvement
Keep learning and upgrading your skills. Stay informed about developments in your industry and explore ways to innovate and improve your products or services.
💡 Seek Mentorship and Support
Don’t hesitate to seek advice and guidance from mentors, business advisors, or industry associations. Learning from others’ experiences can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your growth.
💡 Focus on Customer Experience
Deliver exceptional customer service and prioritise the overall experience your customers have with your business. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers and refer others to your business.
💡 Stay Resilient and Persistent
Building a business, especially a micro business, can be challenging and may require time and perseverance. Stay committed to your goals, stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and celebrate your successes along the way. By focusing on these key areas, micro business owners can enhance their chances of success and sustainability in a competitive market environment.
By focusing on these key areas, micro business owners can enhance their chances of success and sustainability in a competitive market environment.
Do you have a favourite quote? If so, what is it?
"Empowered women empower women."
This quote emphasises the idea that when women support and uplift each other in business and beyond, they create a powerful network of encouragement and success. It speaks to the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and solidarity among women entrepreneurs and professionals.
Madison's award-winning businesses
About Madison Wilson
Madison created her business while she was pregnant with her second child. Feeling fed up with paying $300 to $400 per cake for each family celebration, she taught herself to create beautiful masterpieces and she hasn't looked back since!
She now has her own shop in Wauchope where she can attend more personally to clients to tailor make their special events.
Madison is a mother of four who is qualified and works in finance. Her husband works as a team leader and is a top 10 sales agent for Elders Lifestyle Group. She is also the Fundraising & Vice President for Beechwood Public School P&C and the sole events coordinator for Hastings Business Women's Network.
Any Occasion Cakes and Party Food won People’s Choice at the Business Port Macquarie Awards in 2023 and Wedding Cake Designer of the year in 2024's Wedding Industry Awards - Mid North Coast & Hinterlands. Love Letters Port Macquarie placed first and Letz Get Lit 2444 placed second in the Wedding Services Category, dominating the Wedding Industry Awards. Madison has been recognised with the Excellence In Micro Business Award for all of her businesses combined in the 2024 Business Port Macquarie Awards.
Madison and her husband are working hard through challenges and doing their best to leave their children thinking how proud they are of mum and dad as they grow up. ❋
Contact Madison Wilson
Phone: +61 458 728 857
Address: 185 High Street, Wauchope, NSW, Australia, New South Wales
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