For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Lilly Najjar, owner of Sweets With Lilly!
Sweets With Lilly is a small local business providing a variety of custom sweets and treats, all made from scratch, for any occasion, offering smash cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, cake pops, and so much more!
Our girl Madison interviewed Lilly about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I founded Sweets With Lilly in August 2020.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Sweets with Lilly?
I didn’t necessarily break away from the typical 9-5 to launch my business.
I’m a licensed paralegal but after working in the field temporarily, I realized I wasn’t ready to fully invest myself into the 9-5 life.
I quit my job and began waitressing full time as I looked into other career options. I started baking and making treats for friends and family, even bringing them to the restaurant sometimes for my coworkers to try. The feedback I received was so supportive and motivating for me.
Following this, COVID happened. My hours were significantly halted as summer came to an end and patios were closing.
Similar to the majority of people during this pandemic, I was at home all day, every day at a standstill. That’s when I decided to launch Sweets With Lilly and turn my love for baking into a business, and it was the best decision I ever made.
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
I love the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment I get from doing something I love. Sweets With Lilly doesn’t feel like a job or work, it’s a creative outlet for me that I know I can constantly grow and learn in.
There’s also freedom in not only expressing myself through my business, but in being my own boss and making decisions that I see fit. I’m not working for someone to make their dream a reality, I’m here to create my own vision and that’s very liberating for me.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a female entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?
Learning how and where to order supplies, properly budgeting and calculating costs, creating content – these are all things that I never anticipated and was foreign to. At first it was daunting and stressful for me, but you come to realize that feeling of intimidation is normal at first. Looking back at how far I’ve come is so rewarding.
5: What is one thing about working in the food industry that people would be surprised to learn?
There is a lot of competition in this industry so it’s important for me to make my business stand out. Some of the ways I strive to do this is by offering unique menu options that aren’t commonly seen, posting quality content and offering occasional giveaways to keep my followers engaged and excited.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
My favourite social media platform would have to be Instagram. I appreciate the variety of ways I can engage with my followers whether it’s through photos, videos, stories, reels, comments or direct messenger.
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I’ve used social media to promote my business when I first launched Sweets With Lilly. In today’s society, everything is centered around social media. With the click of a button, a consumer can easily see everything Sweets With Lilly has to offer. They can follow along to keep up with our posts and new additions by just opening up the Instagram app.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
I would say it’s the most effective marketing tool used today. It has made it easy to engage with my audience, it’s cost effective, and allows me to hit my target market. Most importantly, it has exposed me to so many new people that have supported my business – people I wouldn’t have connected with have it not been for social media.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
I would say you absolutely have to just go for it. There’s no better and free form of advertising right now.
It’s also amazing because by directly engaging with potential customers quickly and easily on social media (through comments and polls), you get a feel for what your customers want to see. You learn what your customers are excited about, what they want to see more of – and then develop your business ideas in that direction.
A Little More About Lilly
When I’m not working, I’m binging Suits, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with my dog Rex!
Connect With Lilly
Know Any Voss Babes?
Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
