September Alumni Accolades
From Simple Sandwiches to a Thriving Business: Karen Roberts’ Sunshine Story
lIn the Fall of 2018, Karen Roberts joined Sunshine Enterprises with an ambition to grow her small business, Jus Sandwiches. Like many entrepreneurs, Karen’s journey began with passion and creativity but needed direction to expand. Although she can't recall exactly how she first learned about Sunshine Enterprises, one thing is certain - joining the program was a turning point in her business journey.
Reflecting on her time in Sunshine Enterprises’ Community Business Academy (CBA), Karen found the curriculum invaluable. However, one aspect stood out: pricing. "The entire program was amazing, but the part I found to be most valuable was pricing. It taught us how to effectively learn how to price out our items manually," she explains. For a small business, setting the right price point can be challenging, but with the knowledge she gained, Karen was able to confidently structure her pricing strategy, leading to better profitability.
Karen’s business had been growing steadily through word of mouth. However, Jus Sandwiches needed more than referrals to reach the next level. Our CBA taught her how to market her food, and she soon realized that presentation was key. "Sunshine taught me how to market my business through my food presentation. My SIMPLE SEXY SANDWICHES are great, and my presentation is even better!" This newfound focus on visual marketing helped Karen showcase her unique offerings in a way that appealed to her target audience, adding a professional touch to her already delicious sandwiches.
After completing the CBA program, Karen took advantage of our additional services, including mentorship. Although she participated in the mentoring program only for a brief time, she recognizes the importance of seeking out resources and networking opportunities to grow as an entrepreneur. With this in mind, Karen recently participated in our inaugural Taste of Sunshine food festival, held at Navy Pier. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “The Taste of Sunshine was a great experience for that particular location.” She was grateful for the opportunity to showcase her “Simple Sexy Sandwiches” to a wider audience, and she looks forward to future events where local entrepreneurs like herself can gain even more visibility.
Karen’s dedication to her business paid off recently when she was awarded a Round One $21,000 “Good Food Fund” grant. The Good Food Fund program created by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection aims to support small food businesses and entrepreneurs in communities with inequitable food access. Karen used the funds to pay rent, hire new employees, and purchase essential equipment. This grant not only eased financial pressure but allowed her to invest in growth that would have been challenging without additional support.
Karen’s journey with Sunshine Enterprises is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and networking. By learning the intricacies of pricing, mastering food presentation, and tapping into the support of her community, she is transforming her small sandwich business into a thriving brand.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Entrepreneurs
“Always utilize and follow up with the resources given. Reach out to the people you meet and build business relationships. Be a lifelong learner.”
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