Featured Member: Dena Hoban

When did you start your business and how has it evolved since then?

I began in May, 2010 with a proposed plan and met with Diane Cunningham (lifesaver!) I started ‘peddling’ goodies around to various businesses in town along with feedback forms – Diane gave me great idea’s for places to go – books to read along the way, questions to answer which led to more questions to ask!  I did this for about 4 weeks and then I went back and contacted some of these same places for orders.  I received 9 orders right off the bat – which was really encouraging to me!  I now have a website – thanks again to Diane for hooking me up with Sam Salazar (will be up and ready fully by the end of July) – business cards, postcards that I am continually mailing out and personal contacts everywhere I go I drop off a stack of business cards and ask them to distribute.  I have ordered by key chain ‘punch cards’ – again, thanks to Diane for an awesome idea 🙂 and in the process of doing that I made 3 connections for orders which was really fantastic.  I feel fired up – it’s come so far in just a few short months – my goal right not is 50 new customers in the next month which is really going to get me out there working hard and by December – God Blessing Me – I’d like to have 1000 customers!  I’ve come so FAR in just a few short month’s it’s so mind-blowing for me…I have several new leads and contacts that I’m following up on and even had someone ask me if I’d cater a dinner!!  I never even thought of that but my response was ABSOLUTELY.  I have established my own self-confidence – I’ve never been real outgoing and that has been the hardest part for me – God has just opened my mouth and let me talk to people that even 5 months ago NEVER would that have happened!  Thank the Lord for that – sometimes, I’m sure my husband wishes I was quiet 🙂  I’m so excited right now – I know there are going to be good things and not so good things but overall God is leading me.  I’m making memories.  I trust him completely.  I will never look back and wonder.  Thank you God!

What do you love about being a female entrepreneur?

Being my own designer – planner – experimenter – boss.  I love the freedom, and trust me I’m working really hard – it’s not like I sit around every evening watching TV!  I currently still have a full time job and it’s in God’s hands as to when I am able to stop working that job and just doing Dream Bakers full time.  I love the thrill, excitement, and mostly the joy that I see on people’s faces when they see what I’ve made for them – that has been awesome!  I follow up on every single person’s order and the responses I’ve received have been so wonderful it’s just a warm fuzzy feeling all over to know you made someone’s day special.

How does your faith play out in your business?

It’s only because of God that this is happening.  I’ve had this dream for a long time and finally giving him full control of my life and letting him lead me I’ve met the right people and things have fallen into place.  Every move I make and decision I make I pray STRONG and HARD about it!  I’ve started keeping not only a journal but also a book of quotes and verses – it’s amazing how many times I go back to that book daily for inspiration in his words.  Things will happen by keeping his first in my life – when things get hectic I back up and remind myself he’s in control, his plan for my life, his timing.  Thank you God for loving me and guiding me!

What is your BIG DREAM for your business?

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have my own shop where people come in, have some coffee, feel comfortable and share – pleasing people and helping make special moments turn into long term memories by providing that special cake, cupcake, muffin and sharing in their special moments of their lives – that is the ultimate for me.  If someone needs to sit down and have coffee and a cupcake and needs someone to pray with them – that will happen.  I would love eventually to expand to add a little lunch area and get into some special catering.

What 3 tips would you share with a friend who is launching her own entrepreneurial adventure?

1. See Diane Cunningham!!!    She is the best cheerleader and networker you could possibly have for you – she brings out your self-confidence, self-esteem, and she believes in you – she connects you with Christian women all over the country.  She has AWESOME idea’s, read the books she tells you and do your homework.  Listen to the other women on the calls – they all have remarkable stories and up’s and down’s – they are all there to assist in every aspect of helping.
2. Pray and Listen – make sure your letting God lead you the right way and listen to him – follow his plan for you and and not your plan – wait for his timing.
3. If your married – you HAVE to HAVE your spouses support – fully and completely.  Especially if you currently have a job – you need to sit down, write down your finances, the expenses your going to have put out immediate and plan.  You MUST be in agreement with everything or it just won’t work 🙂
5. Dena Hoban

940.636.0953 
dena.hoban@att.net