Meet Janie Oliver of The Sunflower

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Oliver.

Janie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a baker, businesswoman, animal activist, cookbook author (and yes, I’m working on my second book) and head bottle washer at “The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe”.

After spending 27 years in the Entertainment Business, I began working toward making my secondary stream of income the primary one. For the past 12 years, “The Sunflower” has been a cottage industry boutique bakery offering an online bake shop, catering, personal chef service and cooking classes in and around the greater Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego County areas.

From a personal perspective, in 2018 my Mom died suddenly of a massive stroke. She was an extraordinary woman. She always told my brother, sister and I that we could do anything we wanted to do. My brother was shooting a Hallmark Christmas movie at the time and in the end credits, quoted pretty much what she always told us. She was my best friend, sounding board and biggest cheerleader. Everything changed and all the “somedays” moved up in the cue to “now”.

The Sunflower MISSION STATEMENT:

Bringing deliciousness to the world.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest challenge going into my second year open has been the completely obscene food costs. I don’t see how the existing market could possibly adjust to what I would have to charge my customers and catering clients so unless something changes in Q2, I bet you will see even more small businesses (food service) closing it’s doors. Cash flow is always a problem but I’m making it work. Our location is lovely with a beautiful outdoor setting, but it’s off the main street, tucked in behind a garden centre (which is lovely). Advice? If you don’t have to rent your location, DON’T. Own your shop location. If you can buy real estate, DO IT.

It’s not all bad news though. I am on a search for the next location. Purchase a work/live property. For now though, ONWARD!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t have a “mentor” as such. I am blessed with very helpful and compassionate friends who have also started their own businesses on their own. They are great for bouncing ideas off of and calling to talk me off a ledge now and again. As far as networking goes, I’m the absolute worst at networking. That said, if I’m dropped into any situation I can happily make my way around the room however, being the sole business owner, chef, baker, accountant and head bottle washer, it doesn’t leave much time to do anything else. I mean holy cow, how long did it take me to get time to sit down (1) and (2) fill out these answers? Yep… although I truly believe networking is important, it’s difficult to balance keeping my business open and doing anything else.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesunfloweridyllwild
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowerbakeryhome