Skinny Minis Cheesecake Shop: Interview with Mommy Utchie Cruz

It’s been a while since i’ve done interviews with entrepreneurs here in Manila Reviews, but it’s about time I do so again. All of us need inspiration! I have been quite busy lately with my different businesses and deadlines to meet for articles, and the goodies from Skinny Minis Cheesecake Shop were great “mood changers” and amazing “inspiration boosters”.

Love love love these mini cheesecakes!

See! Even my sister loved it!

I wondered on from whom these delightful treats came from and I wanted to get to know the person behind it more since these treat were AMAZING!

Skinny Minis

I got to find out that Skinny Minis is owned by Ms. Melissa “Utchie” R. Cruz. She is the Baker/Manager of Skinny Minis Cheesecake Shop. Their products are Mini Cheesecakes, Cheesecake Cookies, Cheesecake Pops and personalized Cheescake cups.

Utchie of Skinny Minis

I got to interview Utchie and I’d like to share her story with you.

Utchie: I am a wife of an OFW and have been married for 9 years. I’m a mom of 2 adorable boys, Matthew (7 years old) and Marcus (2 years old). I used to work for an IT company which eventually turned into a stay home mompreneur. I love staycations and travelling with my family once in a while. I am an advocate of children with special needs and promoting becoming a mompreneur like me.

Ginger: Can you tell us more about Skinny Minis Cheesecake Shop?
Utchie: Skinny MInis Cheesecake Shop offers a variety of products made of cream cheese, such as mini cheesecake, “cheekies” (cheesecake cookies) and cheesecake pops.

Ginger: What makes your products different from your competitors? What is your unique selling proposition?
Utchie: Cheesecakes are commonly sold by the slice, but ours at Skinny Minis, are bite sized yet filled with quality ingredients, thus suits the health conscious or the “not-so-psrticular-ones” since it won’t add up much calories.

Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Utchie: At first it was just out of curiosity when I tried the recipe I saw online, but then I thought of making a profit out of it since I haven’t seen much exposure of cheesecakes in the market compared to cupcakes nowadays.

Ginger: Who is your market?
Utchie: Cheesecake lovers and just anyone whose craving for something new!

Ginger: Do you need to have a particular skill for this type of business?
Utchie: Yes and No. Yes, because you have to get yourself informed about the process. No, because you don’t have to be an expert but just be very resourceful in doing research about the product. Know how to set your priorities and mange your time wisely.

Ginger: What do you enjoy about your business?
Utchie: I enjoy that it keeps me busy and gives me diversion. And I just love it when I get to be part of someone else’s snack or merienda time. Plus, I enjoy getting to know other mompreneurs like me.

Ginger: What would you advise people who want to get into this industry?
Utchie: Just not to be scared to take risks and try to be extraodrinary, never be boring and always think outside box.

Ginger: How much are your products?
Utchie: My products are very reasonably priced; very affordable. If you’re interested, please feel free to message me through Skinny Minis Facebook page.

Ginger: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming an entrepreneur? What are these?
Utchie: Oh yes! One is the fact that I am working solo. Two, I don’t have a nanny, and three, my hubby works abroad. So with all these, I learned how to juggle my time as a mom, a dad (sort of) and an amateur baker/newbie entrepreneur all in one. I’ve been consistently trying hard to master the art of multi-tasking.

Ginger: What are three traits that you think an entrepreneur should have when starting their own business?
Utchie: One must have determination, patience and creativity.

Personalized Cupcakes

Ginger: Any unforgettable lesson that you learned as an Entrepreneur?
Uthchie: I learned that you have to make series of sacrifices in order to make it in the market and to always be prepared for the worst to find joy in your everyday little achievements. Lastly, profit will not happen overnight, so be patient.

Ginger: What advice can you give to other Entrepreneurs?
Utchie: I would like to share this one thing I have always been proud of learning from my previous job… to always try to “exceed your customer’s expectations.”

Ginger: Thank you, Utchie for allowing us to interview you.

Just to let everyone know, one of my favorite desserts is cheesecake and I’m glad that you thought of focusing on making this. I wish you success and I hope that you can come up with more products!

By the way, I also love these cookies from Skinny Minis. My favorite is the Red Velvet. I haven’t tasted anything like it before.

Red Velvet

Skinny Minis Cheesecake Shop Contact Information:
Email address : [email protected]
Mobile Number: 0915-9926066
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/skinnyminis
Instagram : skinnyminis000

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