How to be a better boss when you’re an entrepreneur | Lifelong learning is the key.

August 29, 2023

Durham’s first sweet hub has landed in historic East Durham. Stacey Ramos is the founder of Bull City Sweet Shoppe, and the lead curator of the confections that are featured in her shop from herself and other businesses in the area. In getting a brick-and-mortar location, she had to weigh so many questions — When should we think about hiring? Which businesses fit our model? What is the cost of doing business in a physical location? All of those questions are centered in her belief that whether you’re a boss or an employee, you’re life shouldn’t revolve around work.

Stacey knew from the age of 15 that she wanted to be an entrepreneur, and while her path wasn’t linear, she has a wealth of experiences that have contributed to her current success. In this episode, she’s candid about her struggles, how she learned what she didn’t want to embody as a boss, and how lifelong learning is integral to her success (and anyone’s success) as an entrepreneur.

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Episode Highlights

  • Embrace the Transition to Brick and Mortar: Moving from a home-based business to a physical location can be intimidating, but it also opens up new opportunities for growth. Stacey emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial implications and overhead costs associated with a brick-and-mortar space. However, she also highlights the freedom and potential for expansion that comes with having a physical location.

  • Create a Community Hub: Stacey’s vision for Bull City Sweetshop goes beyond just selling sweets. She wanted to create a space where multiple businesses in the confectionary industry could come together and thrive. By bringing in other bakers and treat makers, she has created a sweet hub that offers a wide variety of products to customers while supporting local entrepreneurs.

  • Prioritize Work-Life Balance: As a single mom, Stacey understands the importance of balancing work and family life. She made a conscious decision to build her store around her family’s needs and create a schedule that allows her and her employees to have time for themselves and their loved ones. By prioritizing work-life balance, she creates a positive and supportive work environment for her team.

  • Be Realistic and Transparent: Stacey believes in keeping it real and being transparent about the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to have realistic expectations and understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. By sharing her own experiences and struggles, she provides a relatable perspective that can inspire others to persevere through the ups and downs of starting a business.

  • Invest in Education and Lifelong Learning: While formal education may not be necessary for every entrepreneur, Stacey emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. Whether it’s through formal education, self-teaching, or learning from others, investing in education equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Stacey’s own journey includes pursuing a degree in Innovative Leadership and Entrepreneurship to further enhance her business acumen.

About the Host

Angela Hollowell is the host of the Honey & Hustle podcast. Honey & Hustle is a show that was created with early-stage entrepreneurs in mind. Her video interviews feature themes about creative entrepreneurship in North Carolina and beyond. In addition to her professional creative projects, she works to help visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs build their audience and impact.

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