Sleeves Up For Success

The first day a new business opens means the company concept is finally a reality. But when loans are hard to come by, money to hire contractors, painters, plumbers and designers might not fit into the budget.

The solution for two sisters who launched their city’s first “cupcakery” and now star in TLC’s “DC Cupcakes?” They rolled up their sleeves and did it themselves.

After draining life savings and maxing out credit cards to start Georgetown Cupcake in Washington, D.C., sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne didn’t have the funds to hire outside help. “We painted the walls and installed the toilets ourselves,” say the sisters. “It wasn’t the traditional way to start a business, but we wanted to do things on our own terms.”

They now bake around 10,000 cupcakes a day and often have lines of customers around the block. But starting out wasn’t easy: “We worked 22-hour days for the first

four months,” says Katherine. “We were exhausted physically and mentally, but we pushed through.”

Learning how to do your own construction, remodeling and renovation can save you thousands. Some stores even offer do-it-yourself workshops on painting, tiling and other interior projects.

Sites like DIY Network and Her Fix-It Guide provide tips and how-to’s on everything from electrical safety tips and quick bathroom repairs to giving your space an expensive look for cheap. Plus, BeJane offers step-by-step guides on things like carpentry, ventilation and lighting.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out how Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne built a business from scratch and rose to fame in PINK’s Top Women of the Week profile.

By Caroline Cox

“Put your future in good hands – your own.” Author Unknown