Decadent Goodies Make Her Business Sweet

Every other week, Westchase Patch will feature a different Westchase Area Business Association member. This week meet Beth Blacker, owner of taking care PKGS.

Patch: When did you start your business? And where are you located?

Blacker: taking care PKGS! was officially launched in November 2011 out of a passion for baking and fundraising over the years that evolved into a business.  It is currently run out of my home in Westchase under the Cottage Industry Bill passed last year by the Florida State Legislature that allows certain food items to be produced out of home kitchens without having to obtain the traditional permits and licenses that were historically required. The idea behind the bill is to give anyone with a desire to start a food business a chance to see if it will actually be sustainable before incurring the overhead that goes along with operating a commercially licensed kitchen.

Patch: Please describe what you do. Do you have partners?

Blacker: taking care PKGS! is all about taking care of your “sweet” needs as well as those “in” need by donating 10 percent of net proceeds to Tampa Bay charities throughout the year. I cater primarily to businesses looking for regular opportunities to give customers and employees appreciation gifts and events (starting as low as $3.50) but pretty much anyone who wants to “take care of” someone or some occasion. The most popular item is beth’s Killer brownie bites!  These are rich, dense, decadent little bites of truffle-like brownies that are flavored with combinations such as coconut and almonds, peanut butter, caramel and pretzels, orange and ginger, marshmallows and graham crackers and more. And according to The Morning X (on 97X), I make “the most amazing chocolate chip cookies ever."

Patch: What has been the biggest challenge as a business owner?

Blacker: Balancing everything as a one person operation until the business grows enough to hire employees to help with production. Up until mid-March, I was actually working a full time "day job," coming home some nights to bake and package orders and handle all of the administrative and marketing/sales responsibilities and other nights attend networking meetings or fundraising events to help promote the business.

Patch: What's the best piece of business advice you've received?

Blacker: Don’t second guess any of your decisions.  More than likely you made the ones that you did by going with your gut and 99% of the time, your gut is right.

Patch: What's the most rewarding thing about being business owner?

Blacker: Some people think I am insane for wanting to do what I am doing.  But I am turning 50 this year and decided if not now, when?  I am very proud of how far I have come in such a short period of time but I am honestly overwhelmed by the incredible support from the Tampa Bay community.  I think there is a great resurgence going on right now that is bringing everyone back to their communities and supporting local businesses.  While the big box stores and national chains certainly have place in our society, there is something to be said for customers knowing the owners and staff and vice versa.  

Patch: What encouragement would you give another person venturing out on their own or on their own and facing difficulties?

Blacker: My mother always said, “Never say I can’t when American ends in I can.”  What’s the worst that can happen? You tried, it didn’t work out and you move on.   

The next Westchase Area Business Association meeting is April 19, 6:30-8:30pm at Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, 9912 Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33626. For more information find them on Facebook.