Calling all future entrepreneurs!

So you want to start a business? Awesome! So did I.

Never in a million years did I ever think I would be the CEO of any company, never mind my own! But thanks to a lot of hard work, even more blood, sweat, and tears, and of course help from a certain “Mr. Wonderful” on “Shark Tank,” that’s exactly what I am today.

Wicked Good Cupcakes was started in my home kitchen, along with my daughter, Dani. The two of us had no college degrees, no MBAs and no formal culinary training. What I’ve learned is simply this…none of that matters. What’s really important is having passion for what you do.

I’ve been a commercial photographer, a writer, the owner and trainer of an animal talent agency. I’ve done a ton of things! And I’ve made even more mistakes. But that path has led me to where I am today. One of the owners of a multimillion-dollar business!

Any startup comes with an inherent amount of risk. You must honestly ask yourself if this is the right time in your life to take action and begin your entrepreneurial journey. If not, don’t sweat it! Your time will come. (Trust me!)

Being an entrepreneur is amazing. There’s no questioning that. But it’s not a gig that’s meant for everyone. Before you dive in the pool full throttle, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

Am I the right temperament to be an entrepreneur?

Am I willing to work seven days a week, 15-16 hours a day, 365 days a year?

Am I willing to take a risk? Can I step out of my comfort zone?

Am I willing to do this with or without the support of my spouse, family or friends?

What sacrifices am I really prepared to make?

Am I willing to live on mac and cheese for the next year, or two or three, to make my dream a reality?

Am I willing to listen to constructive criticism? My customers?

Do I have a solid business plan?

Do I have money saved for this venture and if so, am I willing to risk losing it all?

Am I the type of person who can figure things out without any hand holding? (Entrepreneurship can be a lonely sport.)

These are but a few of the questions one must HONESTLY answer before deciding to take the plunge.

All these sacrifices that you are making will ultimately lead to the realization of your dream. But there’s no knowing how long that might take. Are you in it for the long haul?

Remember...mistakes are going to happen. And everyone makes them. You will not be an exception. By learning from any errors you make, you will invariably grow and become a better leader and entrepreneur.

Wicked Good Cupcakes has been a blessing for our family. I hope to share my journey and experiences with you through my future columns in The Daniel Island News. I welcome feedback and invite you to share your stories or any questions you might have with me. I love to mentor!

I can be reached at tracey@ wickedgoodcupcakes.com.

Thanks and have a wicked good day!

Daniel Island resident Tracey Noonan is co-founder and CEO of Wicked Good Cupcakes, an online gifting and baked goods brand that has enjoyed sweet success since it launched in 2011. Started in her home kitchen with daughter Dani, Wicked Good Cupcakes has grown to be the largest shipper of cupcakes in the U.S. and has franchisees nationwide, as well as an international presence in Australia. To learn more, please visit www.wickedgoodcupcakes.com.