Did you ever grow up wanting to own a candy store? Whitney May is living most children’s dream with her delightfully, delicious, Sweet Stash. Owning and operating her own bakery, Whitney is selling cupcakes, truffles and desserts to anyone who has the tooth to enjoy. Follow Whitney and her cookie crumb trail on Twitter and Facebook!
Hometown: Pasco, WA
Current Residence: Franklin, TN
Education: Belmont University, Nashville, TN, B.B.A.
Professional Background: I’ve worked in both politics and the music business since graduating college in 2006…but I’ve always had the spirit of an entrepreneur. I went back to school briefly in 2008 to study in the Entrepreneurship program at Belmont University, which helped me focus my thoughts and formulate a business plan.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Veterinarian
What you are: A baker of all things sweet! Cakes, cupcakes, truffles, chocolate lollipops, cookies, pies, etc.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: We began formulating a plan for our business nearly a year and a half before it came into being. I’ve always been a baker, but did not realize that my products could have value in the marketplace until family and friends suggested that I give it a try. Their advice, paired with my passion for creating pretty sweets, led me to where I am now. The actual ‘start up’ process was long and grueling at times, but so worth it!
Company Website? www.thesweetstash.com
What inspired you? I had many things that inspired me. Like many, I had always desired to ‘be my own boss’ one day, which factored heavily into my decision. In addition, my husband encouraged me to pursue my passion, as he noticed I was baking everyday even before the business, developing new techniques and fine-tuning recipes.
How long have you been in business? We have been open since January 27, 2010.
How did you fund it? We started our business the Dave Ramsey, or debt-free way! No loans. No investors. Just us. It was worth it for us to have complete financial and creative control. It was a long process of saving and delayed gratification, but now I get to bake for a living!
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I suppose my husband is my Fairy Godmonther? 
He has a brilliantly logical mind and a sharp business sense. When my creative mind wanders too far off the path, he reels me back in with solid, sound advice.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Not currently, no.
Current Business Challenge? Since our bakery operates from our commercial home kitchen, there are many challenges that arise as a result of not having a store front. No walk-in traffic, impulse purchases, and most importantly, no direct connection with our clients. The lack of a store front also makes marketing and branding more difficult.
What are you doing about it? We have been marketing ourselves as wholesalers to local shops that sell everything from coffee to frozen yogurt. We are in talks with several local businesses and hope to forge strong working relationships with them to not only sell our products but also to boost their bottom lines as well.
Favorite motivational quote: Honestly, I’m not much for motivational quotes, so I’m not sure I have a favorite.
Family? I am married with one ‘child’ who is furry and loves pupcakes.
Favorite book? I love reading political books, but other than those my favorite is a childhood book called ‘The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles’ by Julie Andrews. It reminds me of the board game, ‘Candyland’, only in text form. It’s wonderfully magical – I would love to do a cake inspired by the story one day!
What do you do to relax? Hot yoga, go walking with my husband and our dog in the park, travel, and visit my parents at ‘home’ in beautiful Washington State.
What do you want to change most about your world? I’d like to get to a point where my business is able to donate a significant portion of its profits into local charities.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my husband and the wonderful life we have been blessed with.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? There are a lot of stresses associated with running your own business, so don’t let debt be one of them. For me, it was worth the added time and effort it took to begin my entrepreneurial endeavors NOT to have any nagging debt following me around. Also, go into your entrepreneurial endeavors with a mentor. No matter how tough you are, it gets really hard sometimes.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My trusty commercial dishwasher, which polishes a load of dishes in just 120 seconds!
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Emeralds.
Bumgardner Photography, 2010
Great interview and approach to your new buisness. I see you someday with your own store front.
I am so excited to know your dream has become realilty! Send a ‘Snack of the Day’ to the Rachael Ray Show along with your picture….I bet they would select it to share with their audience.