With the unemployment rate rising, a woman from North Carolina decided to start her own business making pastries.
The Department of Labor reported that the United States added over 100,000 jobs in July, but the unemployment rate still increased to 4.3% last month.
Key Points to Know
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the American economy added 114,000 jobs in July.
In July, job growth continued in health care, construction, transportation, and warehousing, while the information sector saw job losses.
Some people in North Carolina are struggling in the current job market.
A woman from North Carolina started her own business and said it was the best decision she ever made. Some people in North Carolina are struggling in the current job market.
Candice Dupree is the pastry chef and owner of Bakes and Boards. She has been her own boss for the past two years. Dupree transitioned from managing a salon for five years to running her own bakery.
She said given the current state of the economy, she felt she had no choice and doesn’t regret her decision.
“I have freedom, I set my own schedule, and there’s no limit to my income,” Dupree said.
That was one of the main things Dupree disliked about working for others.
She mentioned that millennials like her have not had the best experiences in the workforce.
During the pandemic, Dupree moved from the beauty industry to corporate America for a change of pace. There, she faced challenges like toxic work environments and low wages. In addition to the daily stress, she also lost her younger sister.
“I am no stranger to grief,” Dupree said.
Dupree said this was the moment she knew it was time to take a chance on herself, and she decided to put her culinary degree to use.
“The first cake I made looked terrible,” Dupree said about her early days as a pastry chef. “I had no idea what I was doing, but it tasted great. I received good feedback.”
From that point on, Dupree was determined to improve her designs and skills.
The 37-year-old said she is proud to be part of a generation that is not afraid to take risks.
“Many companies want a lot of experience or degrees,” said Dupree.
Dupree said she no longer has to worry about those things now that she works for herself.
She believes her generation is willing to make changes and show that people can succeed on their own if they have a good idea and a solid plan.
