Sites We Love Winner – Frosted By Lesley, Inc

Our Sites We Love winner for the week of 03/26/12 is Frosted By Lesley, Inc!

Business owner and website developer, Lesley, took a few moments to tell us about her business and share some tips that may help you with your business dreams!

What inspired you to start your business?

An avid baker for over 15 years, I caught the cake decorating bug about two years ago. After a while, I came across some cookie decorating blogs and a new love was born. It’s amazing what you can design on a cookie! I was just blown away with ideas. Cookies are easy to share, transport and ship, and can have the same wow factor as a beautiful cake.
I started posting my cookie pictures on my Facebook page, and things kind of took off from there.  I realized there was demand for something more than cakes and cupcakes — especially for folks who want to ship gifts to out of town friends and family. So, I investigated business opportunities in this niche market and officially launched Frosted by Lesley, Inc. (“Frosted”) in October 2011.

What is your favorite part of running your own business?

Stepping out of my comfort zone! It’s a new challenge every day, and I love it.

What lessons did you learn along the way that can help new businesses just starting up?

First thing I tell anyone who’s thinking of starting a business: Get yourself to your local Small Business Association/Small Business Development Center. They are invaluable resources to get your business on the right track – and most importantly, focus on the big picture things that can get lost when you’re so tuned into your “big idea”.  They generally assign you an adviser who holds you accountable every week for making great strides in your business.

How do you use social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) to promote your business and engage with customers?

Frosted uses social media to promote special offers on the Intuit Storefront and to engage fans. Last Christmas, there was a “Guess how many cookies are in the oven?” contest, and a limerick contest for St. Patrick’s Day. (Usually the prize is a free dozen cookies!)

What are some new or exciting things we can look forward to for your business in the near future?

Frosted will be participating in Chicago-area farmers markets this summer. Also, we just launched D.T.Y. – Design Them Yourself cookies for a truly custom cookie. Perfect for corporate logos, sports, teams and more!

Thanks so much, Lesley! Be sure to check out her website and Facebook page!