Doodlebug’s Desserts
By Paige Kocourek
Lindsey Nash, a Burlington, WV, native, has always loved being in the kitchen. Before starting Doodlebug’s Desserts at the impressive age of 12, Nash found her passion for baking while experimenting with boxed cake mixes. In a search for more flavors, she discovered a drive to craft desserts from scratch. Not only did she like her creations more, but she could call them her very own. This sparked the idea of starting her own business, which is when Doodlebug’s Desserts came to life. The business offers homemade cakes, cupcakes and other pastries with flavors and detailed designs to wow any sweet connoisseur’s taste buds.
Doodlebug’s Desserts has seen tremendous success. Nash sells her products at vendor shows, festivals, weddings and more. She has acquired a loyal customer base and continues to grow. Through her business, she has learned the role customer service plays in running a small business.
“Customer service includes interaction as well as keeping my word,” she says. “A simple act of remembering the favorite flavors that a customer likes means a lot to them.”
Repeat customers and word-of-mouth advertising have been pivotal for Nash’s current business model, and there is no better way to foster this growth than through stellar customer service.
Starting a business at such a young age has taught the entrepreneur the importance of time management. On top of putting energy and effort into Doodlebug’s Desserts, Nash also prioritizes school, dance and her social life. The balancing act of being a full-time student and business owner won’t be over anytime soon. Her sights are set on attending college after graduating from Keyser High School.
“In order to move forward and grow the business, I need to obtain a pertinent business degree and a degree in pastry arts,” she says. “I will need to acquire a storefront to sell my goods and services and gain more visibility. I must invest in my future. Attending college for business will allow me to acquire the skills needed, not only for my business but for business and marketing in general.”
Nash has big plans for her future and the future of Doodlebug’s Desserts. She has created a business growth plan through DECA, an organization that prepares high school and college-level students in leadership and entrepreneurship. Impressively, Nash won the statewide competition and plans to implement the growth plan.
