There is a famous quote that goes something like “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. This was obviously not said by a small business owner. Brittnie Jones, founder of Savoy Truffle, understands the work it takes to start your own business and has a more realistic quote on the matter: “Buckle up”.
Savoy Truffle (yes, like the Beatles song) started out when Brittnie began running small cake decorating classes and baking custom cakes in her home. She is now celebrating two years in her own storefront on Harrisburg Ave. This did not come easily. Each interview with small business owners like Brittnie tends to reveal the same traits of a relentless work ethic and a dedication to achieving their dreams. With each transition within the business, Brittnie has had to make difficult decisions to ensure Savoy’s success.
Recently, Brittnie had to make the difficult decision to move away from the custom cake aspect of her business and focus on the food portion of the menu. Cakes were the starting point of Savoy, and allowed Brittnie to flex her creativity through decorating. She has been able to keep the same fun sense of creativity alive and well with her spin on menu item names, like The Paddington which showcases with a special limited time housemade marmalade; an ode to Paddington bear who famously eats sandwiches with marmalade. She has also added a new section to the menu called “After Dark”. Which serves up late night bites like “hot diggity dogs” and “bird dogs” – think hot dogs… but made with chicken tenders.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 20% of new businesses fail during their first two years. The added pressure of being a woman in business can alter these statistics in some cases, but data shows that female run businesses typically outperform those run by men despite these possible setbacks.
Women are less likely to secure funding for start ups and other business ventures, due to gender-based barriers from investment companies or banks. In the event that a woman applies for a loan from a bank, she is more likely to be denied or given a lesser loan value in comparison to a male applicant – an average of $14,000 less to be exact. So even when women do secure loans, they may also receive less favorable terms compared to men with the same qualifications. Broader economic and social factors, such as gendered access to resources and opportunities, also play a role. Women might face additional hurdles in accumulating capital or resources needed to grow their businesses.
But this hasn’t stopped women from becoming successful business owners and entrepreneurs. In 2024, over 14 million businesses in the United States are owned by women which makes up around 40% of all businesses that are alive and well in the U.S.
“Buckle up” is right. If you think about all of the pieces that need to fall into place to make a business successful, it can seem like a daunting idea. There is an insane amount of work that goes on behind the sciences to keep the every day functions of the business up and running. This means learning the ins and outs of how to run a business successfully, and actually following through. Brittnie makes this look like a breeze, she was able to attract existing cake clients to her new business and attract more along the way.
Savoy is now known for having the best breakfast, or brekkie, sandwiches downtown. It is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch stop, and you can grab a coffee at Mean Cup on your way out. Special events, like having customers choose a new menu item for Lancaster city’s restaurant week in 2023, are another great example of how Savoy keeps things interesting and customers coming back.
Speaking of interesting – anyone who watched or attended the U.S. Women’s Open may have seen the Savoy Truffle logo, along with two other local women owned businesses, on some of the golfers gear. Brittnie was shocked to receive the phone call asking her to participate, and didn’t believe it was true until she got the email confirming all the details.
It’s absolutely incredible to see how Brittnie has transformed her business, going from creating 50+ custom cakes per month in her family home to participating in events throughout Lancaster. The growth and success of Savoy Truffle is a testament to the fact that with the right support and acknowledgment, small businesses can thrive. I personally, along with many other customers, am excited to continue supporting Brittnie and Savoy Truffle on their journey.
Femme Forward - Lancaster, PA 
Leave a comment