Julie Herrera Lemler’s professional journey began in the heart of Silicon Valley, where she landed her very first job at Connor Peripherals. Despite her lack of experience, Julie’s high school friend vouched for her reliability, convincing the management to give her a chance as a receptionist. “They had never hired anybody without much experience before, but they trusted my friend’s recommendation. It turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for me,” Julie recalls. This early experience underscored the importance of reliability, a trait that would become a cornerstone of Julie’s professional ethos.
Starting her own business
Julie’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited quite unexpectedly during a charity bake sale she hosted in conjunction with a garage sale at her home. She was baking cupcakes for a charity and had no intention of starting a business. But over the course of three years hosting the bake sale, she continued to receive an increasing number of requests from attendees asking her to bake for them. One persistent customer even brought her young son to ask Julie to bake for his birthday party. “How could I turn down this little boy?” Julie muses. This encouragement planted the seed for what would become a successful bakery business. “By the third charity bake sale, I realized there was a real demand for my cupcakes,” she smiles.
Challenges and triumphs
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles, and Julie’s was no exception. One of her biggest challenges was finding a commercial kitchen space. “I knew I couldn’t bake from home if I wanted to grow. Finding the right commercial kitchen that met my specific needs took time,” Julie explains. Her organizational skills and forward planning played a crucial role in juggling her day job, running the bakery and managing family life. “Being organized and planning ahead was essential. Without those skills, balancing everything would have been impossible,” she emphasizes.
Julie’s dedication and hard work paid off, allowing her to be part of her clients’ major life events. One particularly memorable success story involves a client who hired Julie for her graduation, wedding and baby shower. “It was incredibly special to be part of her significant milestones,” Julie says, her eyes gleaming with pride.
The decision to close
As her business grew, Julie faced another pivotal decision: to expand into a bakery or focus on her career and family. “I was missing out on important family moments, especially my son’s last year of high school,” she reflects. After much deliberation and support from her husband, Julie decided to close her baking business. “It was a tough decision, but my family’s support made it easier. My husband reassured me that I could always return to baking if I wanted,” she recounts. Her last event was a wedding where she was surprised with a poignant farewell, marked by a standing ovation and heartfelt goodbyes.
Adaptability and growth
Julie’s career is a testament to adaptability and growth. Her ability to pivot and succeed in varied roles and industries is rooted in key skills such as organization, planning and a relentless drive to overcome challenges. “I’ve always been organized and a forward planner. These traits were crucial in managing multiple roles and responsibilities,” she states.
Lessons learned
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Julie offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Support from family is crucial. Discuss the sacrifices and commitments involved with them before starting your business,” she advises. Julie also emphasizes the importance of leveraging available resources. “There are many resources now that weren’t available when I started. SCORE, Collider and the Small Business Development Center are great places to start,” she recommends.
Future plans and vision
Looking ahead, Julie is excited about new projects and ventures. “I’m always looking for new opportunities and ways to grow,” she says. Her future plans involve leveraging her extensive experience to help other aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and consulting roles.
Personal insights
Julie’s personal philosophy is a blend of resilience, adaptability and a commitment to growth. “I never settle in a place where I feel I’ve outgrown it. I view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow,” she explains. Her advice for other women looking to start their own businesses is simple yet powerful. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you believe in it, find a way to make it happen.”
Key Lime Pie Cupcakes
Yield: 32 cupcakes.
Ingredients:
Pie crust
Follow step 1 below.
Cake:
1 cup butter, softened
2 ½ cups sugar
4 large egg whites
½ cup Key lime juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 ½ cups buttermilk
Follow steps 2-4 below.
Frosting:
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups butter, softened
2 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
6 Tbsp. Key lime juice
Fresh raspberries
Follow steps 5-6.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 32 muffin cups with cupcake liners. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out pie crust. Cut 32 circles with a floured 2 ¼-in. round cookie cutter. Press one pastry circle into each liner. Bake 5 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly. Add egg whites. Mix in Key lime juice. In another bowl, whisk flours; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Do not over mix.
3. Pour batter into prepared cups, ⅔ full.
4. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until blended. Beat in confectioners’ sugar, alternating with lime juice, to reach desired consistency.
6. Frost cupcakes; top with raspberries. Refrigerate leftovers.
