EACH week the Evening Times will throw the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success in the face of continuing economic hardship.

Many new businesses are struggling to take off, and this column aims to offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday. This week we highlight Juliane Grasekamp of Snuggle Muffin.

Who are you?

My name is Juliane Grasekamp, 21, owner of Snuggle Muffin.

What does your business do?

Snuggle Muffin is all about indulgence and creating a really great and positive experience for our guests.

We primarily are a coffee shop specialising in lunches, cakes and American style breakfast dining using all locally sourced produce.

We also specialise in catering both for businesses and special events.

Where are you based?

We are based in the heart of Glasgow, just a hop, skip and a jump from Glasgow Queen Street Station.

At 120 George Square, we are pretty hard to miss.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I always loved baking and started out by watching how to videos on YouTube.

From there I became addicted to trying out new types of cakes and flavours and began bringing them in to school and selling them.

Before I knew it I was getting commissions for graduation cakes and cupcake boxes for gifts.

I got my first wedding cake order when I was in university.

It was terrifying working in student halls to make something that was such a big part of their special day.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

I always knew I wanted to go into hospitality but I never imagined I would open my own business.

I studied business at Strathclyde University while running Snuggle Muffin on the side - which ended up with me hand-delivering cupcakes on the Subway - as well as hotel jobs.

One of the best experiences for me was working in Disney one summer.

I loved how they wanted to create an entire experience and welcome people into their space.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP?

Find a good team. Snuggle Muffin's staff are like a real family and we are all really supportive of one another.

The girls I have working for me all get what Snuggle Muffin is about.

Surrounding yourself with people that share your passion is key.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN RUNNING?

Snuggle Muffin opened late last year though I've been catering for four years.

HAS ANYONE HELPED YOU GET STARTED AND HOW?

I was lucky that when it came to starting up shop. I didn't need to apply for funding as I'd been squirrell-ing away money for years.

My family and boyfriend were amazing, helping me get the space ready on time, building shelves, painting walls. Everyone really mucked in.

I also can't thank The Prince's Trust enough for all their guidance with funding and training.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE/OR WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

I would definitely have learned to drive sooner than I did. Delivering cupcakes by hand with only Glasgow's public transport was a real baptism by fire.

WHO WAS/IS YOUR MENTOR/ OR INSPIRATION?

Working with Disney was one of the most positive experiences I've ever had.

The way they want to give people a welcoming, full-on experience is something that I hope Snuggle Muffin can emulate.

WHERE DO YOU PLAN YOUR BUSINESS TO BE IN FIVE YEARS' TIME?

As a new business, you are always learning. I just want to make Snuggle Muffin the best place to visit in Glasgow and to open another shop.