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 Baisers de Chocolat!
Baisers de Chocolat is a local small company based in Lévis, Québec that specializes in Brigadeiros and their variations, an artisanal, centenary and traditional Brazilian treat. Founded by Thaynara, the company started in late 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic crisis with the purpose of bringing more levity and joy to Quebecois’ homes.
Our girl Betina interviewed Thaynara about her secret recipe in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective business tool.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business for?
The first time I had my own business was in 2015, when I was still living in Brazil. It was a completely different segment of my life and I’ve learned a lot, making all those beginner’s mistakes.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9 to 5 and start Baisers de Chocolat?
I had already determined a moment ago that I was not willing to have a boss anymore. After one season (contract) in 2018-19 working onboard a cruise ship, 7 days per week, 11 hours a day, I reached my breaking point. I then decided to unite two things I love the most, food and marketing and start my own business. This time, more solid than ever and with a very important purpose: to make people experience my beloved Brazil eating our traditional brigadeiros!
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
As a woman, I can say that we are very courageous and creative. Have you noticed that women find a way to solve everything? Business is no different. What I love most about being an entrepreneurial woman is the freedom to act, speak and take decisions without worrying about judgment. Not that judgement doesn’t exist, but I already know how to deal with it.
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 Baisers de Chocolat?
Because I am a woman, sometimes I have to justify myself in order to pass on credibility and that always has bothered me. You know in a conversation when people don’t believe that you did that absolutely amazing thing, that you are the one who enabled this great work? I’m conscious that we women still have a long way to go to improve this stigma, but I’m striving daily toward breaking that stigma and I’m not one to give up easily.
5: What is one thing about working in the food industry that people would be surprised to learn?
Food in general has a much greater purpose than just to eat. Eating is a form of celebration, it can improve someone’s day, make people happy. When you work with food you also deal with people’s emotions. For example, whenever I eat Brazilian food, I feel very warm and happy. This experience directly links to my feelings and not just to my tastebuds. My goal with Baisers de Chocolat is to generate happiness and pleasure every time someone receives a box of brigadeiros. Each bite needs to make sense, it needs to be an experience.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
I deal well with all the platforms available on the market and I try to use a little of each of them to make the most of my budget. Organically speaking, Instagram works better for me but it depends on many factors: the current day, the content, the way I use to relate the content. In regards to paid advertising, Facebook has great options for small and large businesses. The most interesting thing is that you can also reach out to Instagram customers while investing on Facebook ads. If as an entrepreneur you feel you are unable to do all this work alone, it is highly recommendable that you consider to hire the help of a Digital marketing professional.
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
In Brazil we have a very common saying: “Who is not seen is not remembered!” I believe in the power of marketing and its efficiency. You need to find out where your client is located and think like you are talking to him personally. You need to show that you have something very interesting to offer to that specific person. And that you can do that today! The easiest way to do so is via the power of Social Networks, since a great majority of today’s world population is online.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Today, almost 80% of my clients come from social media. You don’t need to have 10,000 followers to start making money. Invest now in the followers you already have, using the right tools. Marketing to me is like the tides of the ocean: Every day, it needs to be adapted, corrected, improved, adjusted, tweaked. But it works and to great effect! Without investment in marketing my business would never have even started.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
If you haven’t done it yet, START TODAY! Take a piece of paper or a keyboard and computer and write down who is your ideal client. What are the physical attributes of your customer, where is he, what attracts his attention, what does he need? There is no exact recipe, marketing strategies need to be flexible and adapted every day according to the results obtained. Results can sometimes be slow but perseverance makes them come! What you cannot do is to give up. Having a qualified professional to assist in this process is essential for those who still do not have knowledge. Believe me, investing in hiring this person will make all the difference in the success of your business.
A Little More About Thay
Brazilian, 33 years old, journalist and advertiser. I’m in Canada for the second time and this time, I am here to settle. I am now married to a Quebecois. We met working together on a cruise ship in late 2018. I’ve since traveled to 13 different countries which brought me a renewed perspective of the world and a whole lot of inspiration. It also made me understand the concept of courage and freedom.
Connect with Thay
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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!
