STARTING A CAKE BUSINESS

Hello Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing good????

Today's post is sharing with you how to start a cake business.

"If making cakes is your calling, you may want to consider starting a cake business". Meredith Dault

Before I started my cake business, I used to find myself drooling over cakes online and watching cake shows "cake boss" every time. I found myself day dreaming of when I would be able to create a piece of art like what I see and people will appreciate. Read my story here.

Often time, I tell people that cake making is not a business you stumble into, you need to have a PASSION for it because it won't feel like work however if it is something you just decided to do without any flair for it, the business will struggle.

Here are a few tips that should help anyone decide on how to start a cake business.

• Passion: Before you consider starting a cake business, you need to have a zeal in cake making and decorating. The cake has to be on point,it has to be delicious. I remember went I started baking, the first cake I baked came out like pancake but that did not deter me from practicing. I practiced hard until I perfected my baking skills. I challenge myself by trying new things and seek for peoples opinion a lot when I do something new. There are a lot of caking making classes that can hone your skills if you are still struggling. Check here or here or here 

• Cost of setup: Starting a cake business isn't a joke. There is so much to it. It a business that you continue to invest in, by buying specialized equipment to finding a suitable work space for the business. It is also important to consider the cost of ingredients when you are setting the cost of your cakes and remember to set a wage (salary) for yourself. Most times, I put my wage back into the business at the end of the day as an investment.

• Create a Specialty: Before you start your cake business know your specialty. Do you want to specialize in wedding cakes, celebration cakes, novelty cakes or just confectioneries. Your business needs to be tailored towards your specialty. When I decided to start my cake business, I knew I was going to specialize in wedding cakes and novelty cakes, (however make sure you have an idea of everything cake making and decorating) so what I do is network with brides, mothers, event planners/coordinators etc. 

• Never under-sell yourself: No matter what, never sell yourself short in business. The time and effort you put in making and beautifying a cake shouldn't be undervalued. When I started my cake business, I remember I used to say "it's not about the profit for now, I need to build my client base" hmmm... that came back to bite me where it pains the most because this same customer's you were trying to please will question you when you start to charge (the original price) for your cakes.

• Marketing: SELL SELL SELL your business. Any opportunity you have, make sure you put a word in about your business. Thank God for social media, the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. take advantage of these channel to promote your business. You can also participate in cake events or exhibitions in your state e.g. WED Expo, Kogsy Sugarcraft Exhibition etc.

I hope someone has benefited from this post. Stay tuned for my next post on Running a Cake Business from Home.

Have a Caketastic week..

xoxo.