Business:  Bliss Frozen Yogurt

Location: Ojai

Established: 2010

What prompted you to open Bliss Frozen Yogurt in Ojai?

I had been a bookkeeper for 20 years doing payroll for various construction businesses in Ojai. With the downturn in the economy I found myself with very few clients. I decided I had to get another job, so I took the CBEST test in order to substitute teach. I didn't pass the math section by one point, and I really couldn't study algebra any more!

I contemplated working at Sam’s Club, but that would have meant a 40-minute commute each way. I'll never forget what happened next! I was driving with my daughter through town, and she said, “Mom, open a frozen yogurt store.” I said, “What's a frozen yogurt store?” She took me to a frozen yogurt store in Ventura, and later that day I decided I was going to open my own frozen yogurt store!

I Googled small business loans, and that's when I found out about WEV. I attended an orientation; signed up for their wonderful Business Plan Intensive (BPI) course; graduated from the program; and really never could have opened without their support and education. Next thing I knew I was at my first yogurt convention!

What role did WEV play in the opening of your business?

I could never have been successful if I hadn't gone through the BPI course. Each and every class session taught me something new that I needed to know. My instructor, Tea Sivestre, was awesome. Every time I thought my business plan was perfect, she would make another helpful suggestion that I hadn't thought of. By the end of the class, my business plan was really quite well done!

In one particular class, we had a guest speaker with legal expertise talk about trademarks. I had never considered the legal aspects of running a business. I quickly registered my trademark, and I'm so glad I knew to do that because I discovered their were other businesses out there who wanted to use the name 'Bliss.'

The Mastermind sessions that we did in class were also extremely helpful. Most yogurt stores have a discount card where you, 'buy 10 and get one free.' My classmates in my Mastermind group suggested that I make my card, 'buy six and get one free.' I did that and it's working!

What advice do you offer others who might want to start their own business?

Take the SET or BPI course! Since opening my business, I've  referred to my notes from class many times and am always looking back at my business plan to guide me. Stay connected with WEV and take advantage of all they have to offer.