Women-Owned Lemont: Ms. Sterba’s Kitchen
In the United States, roughly 35% of businesses are woman-owned. Today, In Lemont Downtown, nearly 85% of businesses are woman-owned. These businesses fuel our economic growth, provide jobs for locals, and help fuel a pipeline of entrepreneurship for all.
At Lemont Downtown, we hear from a lot of people: How do I get started? Could I have a business in Lemont? Well, yes!
Throughout the month, we’ll be sitting down with some of your favorite women-owned businesses to learn more about their story, some insight on what it takes to start and run a successful business, and hopefully inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Next Up: Ashley Sterba at Ms. Sterba’s Kitchen
KG: How did you get your start with Ms. Sterba's Kitchen?
AS: A few years into my teaching career, I thought it would be a good idea to show my students that I practice what I preach. It was important to me to show them that I knew what I was talking about and doing in the kitchen. Therefore, I created an Instagram page to showcase recipes I would make and share personal kitchen experiments.
KG: How did you make the jump from hobbyist, to caterer, to vendor at market, to opening your brick-and-mortar store?
AS: During the pandemic, teaching was no longer fueling my soul as it was through a computer screen. I finally had the time to experiment more in the kitchen and reignite my passion for cooking.
I began experimenting more and creating recipes. I thought that I could really do something with it after so many people asking for years if I sell any items that I make or said that I should. I took the leap of faith and launched a Shopify online store to start.
Additionally, I signed up for as many local markets and farmer's markets as I could to gain experience and get the word about my products out. My catering picked up and after three years of markets, I learned what did and did not work. Therefore, I focused on the catering side of things and reduced my market load. It seemed to be the most realistic and manageable decision as I am still a full-time middle school teacher.
After driving past the vacant storefront on Illinois Street one day in June, I sent a picture of it to my friend Lauren, who owns Parker James Boutique. We always talked about the idea of having a shared space of sweets and styles. As a new resident of Lemont, being in the heart of downtown too seemed like the perfect place to start.
KG: How did you go about financing your businesses? Did you use personal savings, loans, or investors?
AS: I have solely funded everything that has gone into my business with my own personal savings. I have never asked anyone from family, friends to my husband for any type of financial contribution. This is something that I am extremely proud of and worked hard to create.
I’ve been able to pay myself a salary from the business, supplementing my teacher income, and reinvest into the business.
Collagen Protein Balls from MSK
KG: What were the most important pieces when it came to building your brands?
AS: First and foremost, having something on my menu for everyone was key. As a Culinary Arts teacher, I deal with every type of food allergy and restriction possible. It is important for me to have gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free vegan options, etc. readily available to customers.
Everything started with having a balance to it because I believe in the value of having a balanced diet. You don't earn a piece of candy and you don't need to feel guilty for having one either. Everything should be in moderation and balance. So having trail mixes, chocolate options and savory options that created a sense of balance mattered.
Staying genuine to who I am and what I believe in was vital. I love that I am a teacher and can lead by example to my students and others. I strive to be living proof that you can do whatever you set your mind to and inspire others to do the same. Owning being a teacher, sharing my personality while being transparent, my love for pink, and the things that make me who I am has truly built my brand into what it is today.
KG: What does your day-to-day look like now that business is open?
AS: I have to be extremely organized and prepared. I have a to-do list that I write down in my notebook every day. Whether it says I have to go grocery shopping, send invoices, print stickers, prepare content, bake, etc. I have it written down to ensure it gets accomplished. It’s how I balance working as a full-time teacher and running my business.
KG: What were the biggest obstacles or resistance that you've faced as a business owner?
AS: I have no prior business experience. I just always loved to be in the kitchen. So I have truly learned so much about the marketplace, consumers, financials, and what does and does not work for my brand/field. I finally got the hang of things after 4 years of e-commerce, markets and catering and then we opened the brick-and-mortar. This developed its own obstacles in terms of finding the right days, hours, employees, and products for the space that also meet the needs of the community.
I've never had to rely on anyone other than myself, as a one-woman show, so opening up a part of my business to others makes a part of you vulnerable.
KG: Where have you found the most support?
AS: Of course, my husband, family, friends, and even students have been rocks throughout my entire MSK journey. They are constantly filling me with encouragement and offering helping hands.
However, in the brick-and-mortar space, there have been some really special local business owners like Sommer at Mabel's Market, Massiel at That Girl & Co., Tess at Folklore Coffee, and Bri at Tatum Mae who have reached out to check in or show support in multitudes. There is strength in numbers and these local ladies have gone out of their way to make me feel supported as a new resident and business owner.
KG: What's next for your business?
AS: Honestly, the rest is still unwritten as I am welcoming a little boy into this world in June! I am not sure what that means in terms of maintaining the brick-and-mortar piece but I definitely still plan to remain a licensed cottage food kitchen in Lemont to be available for any baking needs and be part of the special events that Sommer has created with Market on Canal. It is definitely in my plans to become a stockist at other local businesses, fueling them with snacks for their customers on the go.
Chocolate Carmel Pretzel Sticks and Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs as featured in the 2024 Lemont Downtown Holiday Gift Guide
KG: What advice would you give to women who want to open up a business in Lemont?
AS: The Lemont community has so much to offer. People want to see you succeed and support you in your endeavors. There are so many amazing women-owned businesses in the Lemont area and everyone is each other's biggest cheerleaders. Join the squad! Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is anything that I can ever do to help, I am always here willing and ready to support someone in chasing their dreams. There is nothing cooler than seeing someone go after what they want. Lemont is the perfect place to start.
Ms. Sterba’s Kitchen is available online for shipping across the United States, local catering, and their brick-and-mortar store at 315 E. Illinois.
