Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Nguyen.
Hi Callie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In high school, I started making chocolate-covered pretzels during the holidays and sold them to my classmates. They would often come up to me and ask if I had some available, and I wasn’t sure if they liked them because they were hungry or because they actually enjoyed them. Then COVID became a big downfall in my mood and motivation, and I felt like I needed to start something new that would keep me motivated. That’s how I thought of pretzels. Then I thought, “Why does it need to be only during the holidays?” This thought led me to the name, Anytime Pretzel. The mission: Customized chocolate-covered pretzel rods for ANY special event or occasion.
I’ve had experience with social media, so I was familiar with how to get the name out to my community. During late spring and early summer of 2021, I made a Facebook account and started to post only good-quality pictures and content. I realized that I needed to start “branding” myself and share my content on big community pages near Brooklyn Park. I began to gain some followers, but I didn’t want to stop there.
Growing up, I’ve always had an artsy side. I used to attend craft shows where I sold polymer clay charms and keychains. And it wasn’t until mid-summer it finally sparked that I should start attending craft shows for Anytime Pretzel. So I began to research Craft Show Event Groups on Facebook and committed to participating in three different cities about 1 hour or less away from Brooklyn Park. All three of these craft shows significantly impacted me, and it wasn’t necessarily because I made sales but because of the connections I formed. I met many people who thought my idea was perfect and supporters who wanted to share my business within their community! These connections led to many feedback and suggestions towards my business and that is what I most appreciate. I appreciate the people that take their time to tell me how I can be better for them and what I can do to accommodate them, helping my business grow for the greater audience.
I continued to do a lot of big orders of about 100-400 packs of pretzels for birthday parties, baby showers, parades, and weddings!
During the start of my business and organizing essential details, I was also juggling a summer internship with HyVee- where I was able to learn a few things that could help me with Anytime Pretzel.
I made a lot of new connections that helped me expand my business even further!
Today, I’m now doing full-time schooling at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and majoring in business marketing and management, and minoring in public relations. It’s difficult because I am 2 hours away from Brooklyn Park (where Anytime Pretzel is more known), so I don’t lose any faith in my supporters; I stay in touch by actively updating them with news and updates in my availability on the Facebook page.
Next year, I’m hoping to get a dorm with a kitchen so that I can start making my business known here in Winona!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m not going to lie; it has not always been so smooth. It’s tough being an only one-person-owned small business, especially because I only like things to be done a certain way. There were many times where I’ve had many friends and family give me a hand in my big orders like labeling, cutting, and making ribbon bows. I’ve learned that in order to manage a business, you need to be able to accept how others do specific things and that everything really can’t be perfect. I also had to figure out financial organizing and learned a lot about invoices and research on supplies that I needed to invest in. I think figuring out what materials I needed to actually invest in to help me, in the long run, were the most difficult part. In the beginning, I made my own individual labels by purchasing AVERY printable labels and cutting them individually. Then I thought investing in a label printer was a good idea, making it 10x easier and faster. But when purchasing a label printer, I had to do my research on which brand or type is the best fitting for my business. I asked myself, will I be able to use this for multiple things? How well is the quality? Do I need to get ink? Should I get a thermal printer? What type of labels are compatible? There are just so many questions I had to ask myself when deciding to make big investments in supplies.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Anytime Pretzel?
I specialize in customized gourmet chocolate-covered pretzel rods for any special event or occasion. I also have a menu of already made flavors to choose from, which I pre-make for the craft shows. What sets me apart from others is that I allow my customers to customize orders to their likings. I also always put two rods in my packages unless requested otherwise. If the order is for a special event, I provide a themed ribbon bow free of charge. I’m proud of myself for creating this small business and managing everything from Facebook customer service to financial aspects to get where I am today. I reached an audience and expanded my business by attending craft shows and spreading my brand and what I do. I also have a 15% off discount for anybody that purchases 100 packs or more. For a more customized feel, I also have the option of a custom black and white label for an extra fee.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I use Canva.com to create infographics, social media flyers, and announcements.
I use Wix.com to create/run my website (still under a lot of construction).
I use Next.waveapps.com to organize my invoices, estimates, and financial aspects.
I use Google Workspace to organize my essential docs, spreadsheets, and files.
I use Facebook Business Suite to organize my orders and events, keep my customers updated with news and announcements, and communicate with my customers personally and more closely.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.anytimepretzel.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/anytimepretzel
