In this engaging conversation, Lynn Pierre interviews Katie Cooper, the founder of Queen City Crunch, a pretzel business that blossomed from family traditions and a desire for entrepreneurship. Katie shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a thriving business owner, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the impact of COVID-19 on her business launch, and the strategic decisions that led to her brand's growth. Katie's story is a testament to the power of personal connections and the entrepreneurial spirit. In this conversation, Katie Cooper shares her journey of building a pretzel business, emphasizing the importance of community connections, collaboration, and empowering women entrepreneurs. She discusses the significance of branding and storytelling in her packaging, the challenges of delegation, and the value of starting small while learning along the way. Katie also highlights her commitment to giving back to the Charlotte community and the support she has received from local businesses. In this conversation, Katie Cooper shares her journey as a business owner, discussing the importance of hiring the right people, overcoming challenges, and balancing family life with entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the value of failure as a learning opportunity and the need for support in the entrepreneurial journey. Katie also provides insights into her daily routine, sources of inspiration, and advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of nurturing dreams and learning from experiences. Looking ahead, she shares her plans for scaling her business, Queen City Crunch, and expanding its reach.

Website: https://www.queencitycrunch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queencitycrunch?igsh=bDJhNTBxdHZpcWFq

CHAPTERS:

00:00

Introduction and Personal Connection

09:43

The Birth of Queen City Crunch

15:43

Scaling the Business

20:42

Growth and Future Plans

29:10

Branding and Packaging Insights

38:02

The Importance of Delegation

43:26

Giving Back to the Community

48:43

Hiring for Success: The Right Fit

54:45

A Day in the Life: Balancing Business and Family

01:02:50

Inspiration and Motivation: Feeding the Entrepreneurial Spirit

TAKEAWAYS:

• ​Lynn's initial encounter with Katie's pretzels sparked curiosity.
• ​Katie's background in marketing influenced her business approach.
• ​The idea for Queen City Crunch stemmed from family traditions.
• ​COVID-19 provided the opportunity for Katie to start her business.
• ​Katie's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age.
• ​The importance of community support in business growth.
• ​Katie's first sale was a pivotal moment for her confidence.
• ​Scaling the business required strategic planning and investment.
• ​Katie's mother played a significant role in the business's origin.
• ​The transition to a commercial kitchen marked a significant growth phase. Community is essential for business growth.
• ​Collaboration leads to valuable connections.
• ​Branding should tell a story.
• ​Empowering women is crucial in entrepreneurship.
• ​Delegation is key to avoiding burnout.
• ​Starting small is a valid approach.
• ​Learning is a continuous journey.
• ​Giving back strengthens community ties.
• ​Local support can significantly impact success.
• ​It's important to focus on your own path. Hiring is about finding team players who are flexible.
• ​Embracing failure is crucial for growth and learning.
• ​Indecision can hinder progress; be decisive.
• ​Caring for others in business leads to success.
• ​Balancing family and business is essential.
• ​Daily routines can include personal time and reflection.
• ​Support from friends can motivate entrepreneurs.
• ​Encouraging young people to pursue their dreams is vital.
• ​Learning from past failures can inform future successes.
• ​Scaling a business requires planning and adaptability.