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Brenda's Pastries & Goods
It all started in 2009 when Brenda González, the founder of Brenda's Pastries & Goods, bravely brought her dream to life with just one homemade recipe. It quickly became popular with its famous cookies, but it was not until 2015 when it formally started its business inside the famous East Aurora Flea Market and selling Tuesdays and Fridays in downtown Aurora.
With the support of her family and a few friends her small business took shape, ever since Brenda has been creating a variety of delicious handmade cupcakes and cookies. “Working with dedication and enthusiasm is our motto and a touch of love always accompanies our products.”
The biggest challenge that Brenda encountered in the early stages of her business was criticism from people who wanted to overshadow Brenda's early success, they even reported her to the city, believing that she was operating her business outside of regulations. However she was able to demonstrate that her business met all the rules, and took the criticism as constructive.
Brenda's business was significantly affected during COVID-19, and it was then that she went to the IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Waubonsee to start with the applications for local and state financial aid. SBDC business advisor Noelia Ruiz was able to assist her with getting funds that helped her not to give up and that allowed her to keep the 3 employees she needed to continue her growth. Noelia also helped her to change the business structure from an individual sole proprietor to an LLC, and improve her accounting practices.
Thanks to government grants and loans, Brenda's Pastries & Goods is now in the process of purchasing equipment which will help her grow her business, sell more produce, and at the same time be able to employ more people.
Some of Brenda's advice to entrepreneurs is: “Dream big and start small, use your common sense and never lose your vision and focus, there will always be doors to knock on and people and institutes willing to help you. Take a risk and don't stop."
Contact Information:
La Gran Plaza, 175 N State St., Aurora, IL 60505
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
(630) 631-4995
info@brendaspastries.com
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