Interview with Janet Gonzalez, co-owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I worked here for four years before I bought it. I was a baker, a cake decorator and the manager. I learned how to do everything before I took over. But before that, I was laid off from my job, and so I started taking cake decorating classes at Michael’s. The bakery was around the corner from where I live in Thornton, so I started working there. The store was sold three times before I bought it. I changed the name last year and things have been going really well.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I have more than 30 flavors of cupcakes that I make regularly, and I’m never afraid of a challenge to make a new cupcake. I’ll make jalapeño cupcakes if I’m asked. We also sell bagels that we make in house. We make paninis and wraps for lunch. I do wedding cakes, dessert bars and cinnamon rolls, too. Really, I can make anything my customers want. If they want lasagna, I’ll make that for them, too.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Making my customers happy. When someone comes in with a really specific order, a wedding cake, a special request or anything, I’m so happy to make it exactly how they want it or better.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Probably my hours. The shop is open every day and I’m the only full-time baker here. I do everything and sometimes it can be too much, especially because taking takes a while.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I work with a lot of baking interns from culinary schools and high schools. They come in and I train them in how to do everything, and then they get credit for their classes. They have to be here once a week for eight hours, but I usually train them all year. It’s great. I have kids from Mapleton School District who learn how to do everything from baking to running the business. It’s a huge help for me, and I get to teach them everything I know.
Profile
Business: Delight Me Sweets
Address: 12720 Colorado Blvd., Thornton
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2015
Contact: delightmesweets, 720-379-3932
Employees: 5
