Meet Cori Poon | Bakery Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cori Poon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cori, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is something that will never be fully reached. For me in the beginning I tried so hard to get balance and I felt I was always coming up short and was always striving for something that was impossible to reach. Now I accept that some days I will be focused more on kids and less on work, and the other day it might be vice versa. Accepting that I will not have full balance EVER and being okay with it I find I have more peace.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am what they call an accidental entrepreneur. I started my business simply as way to bring in extra income into the household. I didn’t want to go back to work as we wanted to continue growing our family but we couldn’t pay bills. I then loved how I was becoming a role model for my daughter and showing my sons that despite me being a mom I can also work and demand just as much respect in the workplace then any man. It was not easy by any means. Money is tight as a small business then when you add in being in the food sector and the rising cost of goods. For many years I couldn’t turn a paycheck. At one point we found ourselves deep in debt in the business and in our personal life. Our marriage was falling apart, my business was failing apart and we didn’t know where to go. We recognized that we both (my husband and I) needed to work on ourselves and needed outside help to help the marriage. As soon as we became stronger individuals we became stronger business partners. We persevered and took everything one day at a time. I have always been open and honest about the realities of a small business and the impact it puts on a family. I want other people to know that they are not alone and owning a business is extremely hard and unless you have done it you will never know the stresses and hardship that comes with it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m all about the small local places. The local economy needs our help more then ever. If COVID wasn’t a thing I would love to visit some of our local restaurants such as Dals, Little Bones and Salisbury House. Depending on the time of year our favorite festival is ManyFest. This takes place in September and is always an amazing weekend. There is also a small chocolate shop called Decadence Chocolates and the owner is absolutely amazing. They make ice cream from scratch and of course make the most amazing bonbons. We would visit some of the local hiking trails and various parks throughout the city

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is the reason I am where I am today. My mom, my sister, my brother and my dad. My mom has given me the strength to persevere any obstacle that comes my way. My sister inspires me to be okay with who I am and to always be a better person. My brother helps keep me grounded in reality and is never scared to help me see the not so glamorous parts of life. My dad helped me live life to the fullest. He passed away 14 years ago after a three month battle with cancer. He taught me to not live with regrets and just to be happy.

Of course then there is my husband and my kids. They support me in any adventure I want to do and are always along for the ride. I would not be where I am today without them!

Website: www.sweetcbakery.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sweet_c_bakery

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sweetCbakery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetCbakeryWPG

Image Credits
Teri Hofford Photography