Jennifer Pasquill of jintrinsique Pastries: Small Business Blog Interview

Jennifer Pasquill of the jintrinsique blog wrote in with perhaps the most inspiring answers to my interview questions I have received so far. We reviewed her blog for her pastry company on September 13.. Just reading the interview makes me want to blog! Oh wait...

"I have many new mail-order customers. I had hoped for this, but I wasn't expecting anywhere near the response that I have received!"

Pajama Market: How has the blog impacted your company?

Jennifer Pasquill: I have new customers from all over the globe! It's amazing how many people you can reach, just by sitting in front of your pc!

PJ: What has the response been from your customers/clients?

JP: They LOVE that they are able to see what I am doing on a daily basis. They also enjoy learning about different specialties that I make or new things that they aren't aware of yet.

PJ: What types of things about your work day inspire you to write a post on your blog?

JP: Anything & everything including: ingredients, finished orders, photos of process, & of course, my readers favourite - 'Customers from Hell'.

PJ: What have been the biggest surprises with your blog so far?

JP: A) I have people fighting as to who will visit me next, in person! I started a new feature called, "There's a Blogfan at my Door!" to honour my first visitor from Blogger. She lives in Virginia & had to fly into Chicago for a few days. From there she drove 3.5 hours just to visit my shoppe!

B) I have many new mail-order customers. I had hoped for this, but I wasn't expecting anywhere near the response that I have received! Plus, it didn't cost me a penny! No expensive colour brochures, no outrageously priced advertisements...just a few hours of my time every week. Brilliant!

C) I have made new FRIENDS. Obviously, with owning a small business, I do not leave it very often. This does not allow one much social interaction away from the workplace. I chat with fellow bloggers online & over the phone. People who share my interests. Friends can be a great stress reliever...of course, so can chocolate! ;-)

PJ: What blogging program do you use for the blog? Did you create this blog yourself? How do you like the program?

JP: I'm on Blogger. I love it! It is very easy for novices to use yet it also allows for those of us who can work on the HTML to create our own customization. It's great that their templates look the same in all browsers. I have just as many readers running Opera, Safari & Firefox as I do Explorer, so it's wonderful that I don't have to tweak the blog for every browser. I don't suppose I technically 'created' this blog myself as Blogger starts you out with everything you need. I picked the template, but I do all my own customization, writing, uploading, etc. It's FREE. Need I say more?

PJ: Is there anything else you would like to share about your blogging experience?

JP: My husband had been telling me to start a blog for my shoppe for over a year & a half. I suppose I didn't really know what they were & didn't care. All I can say now is that I can't believe I waited SO LONG! It is fun! It is relaxing! I have lots of new friends! I have lots of new customers! So, what are you waiting for? Just DO IT!!!

Thanks again Jennifer. You are a true inspiration to those who are considering, but haven't quite made the jump yet.

Technorati : bakery, jennifer pasquill, jintrinsique, manitowoc, manitowoc wi, manitowoc wisconsin, pastries, pastry shop, uniquely yours, uniquely yours pastry shoppe, wedding cake, wedding cakes

Comments

[Jennifer (jintrinsique)]

Thank you Brian, for the opportunity to gush about how much I love blogging! I think you have a GREAT place here! I will check back often! :-)

[Katy]

well I had to comment after I was mentioned in the interview!!! The drive was more than worth so Brian you should do it too.

[evi]

I have been reading Jen's blog for a good while. She is witty, poetic, and very engaging. The photos of her cakes, cookies and other culinary delights rival Gourmet Magazine (and she doesn't have a stylist setting up the shot!). Through her blog you can see how much she loves her work and the endless creativity she puts into it. This girl runs her own business and I applaud her. Watch out Martha Stewart!