BUSINESS
CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS
WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG
VOL. 32, NO. 9
Chamber, Wells Fargo team up to help small businesses
5934 Priestly Drive 5934 Priestly Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Five years ago, Don Hein launched Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the year in 2014.
Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen looks for growth after ‘Cupcake Wars’ wins
SEE CENTER, Page 14
PRESORT STD U.S. Postage PAID Carlsbad, CA Permit #67
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Sweet success
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on Hein, winner of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year award in 2014, never envisioned himself making a living as the owner of a bakery known for winning a reality TV show twice. But his story — like that of many small-business owners — is proof that sometimes a great idea, a risk-taking spirit and a little bit of luck can come together to make a thriving business. In 2010, Hein, owner of Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen in Vista, was laid off from his job at a company that installed and
maintained audio visual equipment in high-profile retail stores. Hein said he knew it would be tough to make a living in that industry, and he didn’t want to start another career. Besides, he was never really thrilled about his profession. “It was something I fell into,” Hein said. “I did, however, always have a passion for food and restaurants and baking.” His brother had launched a successful cupcake business in Washington State, and Hein
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Nearly 10 years ago, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce opened the Small Business Success Center to offer counseling and training for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. Since its launch, the center has helped many business owners find solutions to their problems, offering tools that can help businesses at any stage of growth. Wells Fargo is helping the Chamber ensure that those who are launching small businesses have the tools they need to succeed. A long-time supporter of the Chamber, Wells Fargo has stepped up to sponsor the newly renamed Wells Fargo Small Business Success Center. The sponsorship will allow the Chamber to continue to help small businesses thrive, said Toni Padron, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This partnership will allow the Chamber to fully realize its vision for the center,” Padron said. “Since we opened it in 2006, the aim of the center has been to offer tools and resources for small-business owners to grow their businesses, create new jobs for the region and help nurture entrepreneurs.”
OCTOBER 2015
AN AWARD-WINNING, MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Coworking spaces in Carlsbad
Resources for growing (or launching) a small business.
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OCTOBER 16 WHO WILL BE AWARDED THE 2015 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR? Reserve your tickets today at carlsbad.org
SEE CAKES, Page 13
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT More than ‘that little shop on State Street’ Aranelle’s ‘brick and mortar’ experience beats shopping online Serving the community since 2001, Aranelle is an award-winning boutique located in Carlsbad Village. Aranelle is more than “that little shop on State Street” — it’s a community, a destination where locals and tourists come seeking the latest in apparel, accessories, and gifts. Michelle Blasena, a retail veteran with a degree in retail management and a certificate in interior design, was born with creative energy and a love for shopping and decorating. Blasena and her nine employees fully embrace the idea of ‘brick and mortar’ shopping and make sure that every customer’s visit to Aranelle is a memorable and magical experience. Part of the charm comes from the staff ’s commitment to being ‘Midwest kind.’
Aranelle 2940 State St. Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-1140 AranelleCarlsbad.com
Aranelle offers exceptional customer service including complimentary gift wrapping, freshly baked cookies and ice-cold lemon water. Blasena, who is from Wisconsin, encourages her staff to empathize with customers and be accommodating — to, “Don’t say no, say yes.” Nothing brings the team at
Aranelle more pleasure than helping customers find their next favorite item. Complimentary gift wrapping and other thoughtful details make the experience of shopping at
Aranelle even more personal. “In a day and age where online shopping has become the norm, outstanding customer service is what keeps our guests coming back,” Blasena said. “We go above and beyond whenever we can. We bake fresh cookies every day, serve ice-cold lemon water. Most important, we
SEE ARANELLE, Page 11
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