Small Business: Whisk and Wood’s goal is, obviously, world domination
Growing up, my Dad and his twin owned no fewer than 10 businesses. From a roller skating rink to an insult greeting card company, I was exposed to the entrepreneurial fervor that fueled them.
Not everyone is up for the challenge of going out on their own. It takes persistence and determination to start a company. With only 50 percent of NC businesses surviving after 5 years, according to Chuck McShane, director of research at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneurs have to be inventive to thrive in this competitive environment.
Family history and my own fascination with people and their motivations prompted me to begin this series about Charlotte’s small business owners. Industry and situation will vary, questions will remain the same.
Christina Layden is 26 and the owner of WhiskandWood, a bakery started in 2014. Layden delivers her cookies, scones, loaves, donuts and muffins to coffee shops around Charlotte. Vegan and gluten free options are also popular for personal orders and community events.
https://instagram.com/p/9nNKs_nhsu/
Here’s what Layden had to say about herself:
Why is Charlotte a good place to start a business?
Charlotte’s community of local makers is still relatively small, affording us all the opportunity to connect easily. It’s been my experience that our city’s local makers and small business owners support each other with unmatched enthusiasm.
Starting up a business is hard work and can be intimidating, but there’s something special about the energy and constant encouragement in this community that makes all the difference.
It was little nudges from owners Miracle Yoder (co-owner of Not Just Coffee) and Lindsey Pitman (owner of The Daily Press) that got me started. To this day, they are two of my biggest supporters and customers.
A post shared by Trade and Lore (@tradeandloreclt) on Oct 24, 2015 at 6:00am PDT
Who has been your biggest influence?
My mom is in her 60s and recently earned her doctoral degree in physical therapy. She is starting up her own practice in Charlotte.
I earned my degree in psych and realized baking was a passion I wanted to explore further before I pursued my career as a marriage and family therapist. I think the courage to change directions came largely from her “it’s never too late” attitude.
How do you begin each day?
With deliveries! I deliver fresh pastries to each shop seven mornings a week.
A post shared by Whisk & Wood Bakery (@whiskandwood) on Jan 28, 2015 at 5:48am PST
What do you see in your future?
I’m loving life with W+W. While I’m working to expand into new spaces, it’s important to stay small-batch as I value the attention to detail and quality this affords. I’m also about to marry into the Hex Coffee empire, so the long-term dream is, obviously, world domination.
A post shared by H E X C O F F E E (@hexcoffee) on Jun 23, 2015 at 4:38pm PDT
Where do you go in Charlotte when you need to chill?
Lately I’ve been frequenting Not Just Coffee’s Atherton location for their perfect pour-overs and outdoor seating; Tamarind Fine Indian Cuisine for chef Bhim’s Navaratna Korma; or Kindred, (just outside of Charlotte) for the milk bread and chocolate birthday cake with sprinkles.
Morning in Southend. #wakeupandsmellthecoffee #southend #Atherton #Charlotte
A post shared by notjustcoffee (@notjustcoffee) on Jun 18, 2015 at 4:54am PDT
Feature photo: Christina Layden
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Small Business: Whisk and Wood’s goal is, obviously, world domination."