Meet Teresa Ging of Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique in the Loop:

What kind of business are you in?

TG: Cupcakes! Yay!!

How long have you been in business?

TG: I have been in business for 3 years now.

What was your last job before starting your business?

TG: I was in finance for 6 years before I started Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique. For 2 years, I worked at Bear Stearns doing Investment banking, then I went to a private equity firm in Chicago for 2 years, and then I did equity research for Credit Suisse. My work experience definitely helped me start my business.

Where are you from - where did you grow up?

TG: I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, but have been in Chicago for almost 15 years.

Where did you go to college?

TG: I went to University of Chicago for Economics and Statistics, I know...completely different than what I am doing now, but I use what I learned in college, as well as my finance work experience everyday. It has come in very handy. I also went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and received my Patisserie Certificate.

What is your favorite thing about working for yourself?

TG: Being able to set my own schedule.

What is your least favorite thing about working for yourself?

TG: Getting up early...unfortunately have to wake up at the crack of dawn to bake, but happy to serve happy customers once 8am rolls around.