Baking For Business Podcast
The Baking For Business podcast is dedicated to helping you start and grow your home bakery business and scale and expand with digital products. We believe bakers and treat makers can earn money in multiple ways by sharing their gifts and talents.
Learn more at https://stan.store/amandaschonberg
Baking For Business Podcast
#Ep 93: Spreading Joy Beyond The Kitchen With Sweet Kate Bakes
Have you ever wondered how a passion for baking can transform into a successful business? Meet Katelyn Brewer from Sweet Kate Bakery, whose journey from a childhood surrounded by family bakers to a thriving cake business in Utah is truly inspiring. Balancing a local business with an online presence comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, and Katelyn's faith-filled foundation provides the resilience and positivity needed to thrive in both arenas.
Her infectious joy and courage serve as a beacon for those wrestling with self-doubt. Whether you're starting a home baking business or just love a good success story, Katelyn's journey is sure to leave an imprint on your heart.
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Hey, sweet friends, my name is Chef Sean Bird. I started my baking business with a bottle of DeSorono and one Bundt cake pan. Fast forward to today, from news to magazines, speaking on national stages and more. I can truly say that baking has changed my life. So now, as a bakery business coach, I get to help others have the same success. I've helped hundreds of my students across the world in my global membership program create six-figure businesses, mainly from home.
Speaker 1:The Baking for Business podcast is an extension of that, from actionable tips to valuable tools and resources that can impact you as a business owner. I truly believe y'all. We would never have been given a gift if we couldn't profit and prosper from it. So come on, darling. What are you waiting for? Hey, what's going on? Baking friends? And welcome to the Baking for Business podcast. Today, you are going to just feel so joyful. You have no choice but to feel joyful, because whenever Caitlin Brewer slides down your feed, you always know that positive vibes are ensured to follow. And so today on the Baking for Business podcast, we actually have Caitlin Brewer from Sweet Cake Bakery here. So, Caitlin, welcome to the Baking for Business podcast.
Speaker 2:Thank you so much. I'm overjoyed to be here. Thank you so much for having me. I'm a fan of the show, so it's a little surreal to be on here. Thank you.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. You're more than welcome, beautiful, and so, for those who may not know about you, tell me how did you start your journey, or how did you get started with baking?
Speaker 2:definitely baked goods, and so growing up I would always go on donut runs with my dad or to a fun bakery to grab some sweet, to show some love to my mom from him to her, which is always very special. And then, of course, the spark of the love of baking with family whether it's cookies or cakes was always there for sure, because that was a big way people showed love in our community. And so when I started watching these shows of Cake Boss and Cupcake Wars, I was like, oh my gosh, there's more to baking than I even knew, and I wanted to get in the kitchen and try it out and have incredibly supportive parents that let me get into the kitchen and really just experiment, make a lot of mess and a lot of joy through that process of just trying, which was so much fun, with a lot of failures, I got to say, but a lot of sweet success too.
Speaker 1:Amen, I love that. It's always a blessing when we have supportive parents. Did you have a grandma or anyone else in the family who had the baking bug, or you just got bit by it?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. I have grandparents that love it, specifically my grandma and my aunt Shannon. She had a cookie business on the side and it was the best days ever because she never had children of her own, but she would always have her nieces and nephews over for sleepovers and I always wanted to bake with her. So that was definitely a kindling of this baking fire that started.
Speaker 1:I love that. And for those who are unfamiliar, what state are you in and how do you operate? Are you a cottage baker? Do you use commercial space or do you just keep it cottage, or how do you operate? Are you a cottage baker? Do you use commercial space, or do you just keep it cottage, or how do you operate?
Speaker 2:So I am located in Utah and I work under cottage food, so I have half my business of doing orders and then I have the other half of sharing the joy online, which is so fun that I get to have feet in both and party through each.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I love both. I'm a huge fan of that. When it comes to building a business and getting started, because so many bakers they have this joy like you. Maybe they enjoy it, but there's always this fear of should I go for it, should I start the business? What made you decide to say you know what I'm actually going to turn this into a business and actually start offering your sweets and your cakes to your local community.
Speaker 2:I love that yes. So how I got started was I was 14 when I started. I was 13 when I started sharing the things I was making in the kitchen with my community and then in my church, one of the young women's leaders was like hey, will you make cupcakes for my kid's birthday coming up? And I was like heck, yes, let's do it. Both my parents are entrepreneurs and from a young age I caught that bug of you know what? We're going to make magic happen, let's do it.
Speaker 2:And so it was through that process of just saying yes to the things that came way and incredibly supportive people that saw that talent in me and nourished it through support, that really grew that passion. And I'm so grateful for that opportunity that, even as I think, in my adolescence, as a child, to have that excitement for saying yes, because as an adult it can be really scary because we've seen the consequences of maybe things not going so well and so I try to hold on to that young spirit of you know what? This is really just a joyful thing and we're going to have highs and lows because we truly care about it and that is a superpower, in my opinion.
Speaker 1:It really is and, like another superpower, you so gracefully show up and talk about that. Like, although you always have this positive attitude, you're not afraid to say, hey, I'm going to give this a try and I don't know how it's going to go. Or hey, here's a recent fail, and so I love that, because too often people struggle with being vulnerable on social media. Where do you get all this confidence from that you exude.
Speaker 2:Oh, you are so kind and I'm personally a very spiritual person and so my confidence or my joy, I like to say, comes from knowing my identity as a child of God, and so that is the most important thing.
Speaker 2:And there's going to be other influences in this world, but it's that pure identity of who we are, meaning that we've been given a purpose to do here. We've been given certain talents and gifts and interests that are supposed to not only support us but also others. I love that you say in your message of the podcast that we've been given gifts for not only profitability but prosperity, and that's where that central why comes from for me. So when those imposter syndromes or feelings of doubt come in, I'm able to go back to you know what. There's someone out there like me because I'm self-taught and I learned so much from other bakers being willing to share that needs, this, and sometimes it's me going back to my own content and be like, oh yeah, I learned this already, but it's super helpful, and so I just try to talk to the one and I'm amazed at how the one has multiplied and that is truly a blessing, I see.
Speaker 1:Oh, my gosh girl. Most beautiful answer. I love it. And you're right, that's the best way for us to serve the many is to just by showing up and serving one. So I love that. Your faith plays an amazing part in your beautiful personality. You always have the most cutesy looking dresses, and so that transition to the wedding cake business. How is that? So what are some tips that you have for growing that portion of the wedding cake business for those who, like a lot of bakers, are looking to jump over and get started in the wedding industry?
Speaker 2:Yes, weddings are such an exciting thing because they're high risk, high reward, which means they're high risk and high reward, and so something that has really helped with that is one. Yes, we want to make the money, but also I want to create a special moment for you guys. So that starts from meeting the couple. I got my name out with word of mouth, along with social media, going to these wedding expos and sharing the, the magic that is you.
Speaker 2:I think people, there's a reason. People follow you not just on social media, but want to be around you, because you have the energy and the joy that people want to hold on to, and so being able to share that with others is very impactful and it will carry you through your business if you're able to share your heart and who you are, which can be really scary, because whenever we put ourselves out there, there can be a rejection. But you know what? We're not for everybody, and that's okay, but you are for somebody, and when you're going into stretching into the wedding cake business, I want you to create that why? Because that's going to be what propels you forward.
Speaker 1:That's a beautiful answer. You're so right. I love that. And so, speaking of sharing sharing you and the things that make you, as you've grown your business, which has done amazing you in turn turned around and you began to share things from your business, aka digital products, as we know. But there is always a jump to that because so many people like yourself, you get asked questions what's this, what's your flavor, what's this? And I find so many bakers struggle with I don't want to give my recipe. There's this mindset of if I give this person this thing, they're going to do better than me, they're going to go further than me, they're going to take my recipe and walk away and turn into a millionaire. And so, when it came time to not just sharing the tips in your business, but opening up and sharing your recipes and your business with people, how did you manage to do that? Was there ever that hump there, that thought, or what was the mindset shift that allows you to say you know what honey have my recipe?
Speaker 2:Definitely it's a big step to transition and what really helped me was it was quite organic, where I was sharing just like the excitement of like yo, I made this like to my friends and family on social media to being more of a business owner of hey, look what I can make for you with those transitions. And then, where it turned into those digital products, were people asking you know what I'm struggling with my buttercream, like, can you please help me? And at first I really had that mindset of but like if I share it with you, who knows if I'll ever get an order again, which is terrifying. But what I found is there is a need and when you're part of the baking community, there is more support than you could ever imagine when you open your heart to it and you also share in it, because there is need for sweet treats everywhere. There is donuts in every gas station across the country. If that is so attainable, people will find you and it's being open to that that matters the most.
Speaker 2:And so seeing that and seeing the outpouring of love and also the need for help helped me take the things I was holding on to with such fervor. And you know what I found? That when you just like leaders, you lead better with an open hand than you do with a tight fist, because you're able to share, and that really helped me transition and because it wasn't about I'm amazing, check out this recipe, I'm the most incredible. It was hey, I see you. I see that you're struggling with this. This is what I've learned and that made all the difference learned and that made all the difference.
Speaker 1:So true, I love the way you addressed that mindset. And so, speaking of products, what are some of the ones that you have, or maybe, let's say, your your top three sellers that you have that you offer to others as well?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. So yes, I have the successes, but I also want to say I do have the flops, where I've put out a product and it has flopped and it's terrible. But you know, we learned something different. The need I saw wasn't quite there in the product and that's okay. So those things are going to happen and they're great data points to be able to one grieve that expectation but also be like, okay, this wasn't quite right. Was it the price? Was it the content? Was it how I presented it to people. That's very important.
Speaker 2:So I started out with my buttercream masterclass because I saw so many questions around buttercream and I was like I get it. I see all these different types of buttercream, but I also know from experimenting with them they are for different purposes. In my experience of humidity and super dry and the crazy temperatures, we can be battling with a delicious cake. Also, the preferences of sweetness can be adjusted. So I really wanted to, in a digital format, sit down and share that and that was a great seller at first. And then I found classes online very helpful where it was a live class. That was very beneficial for my bottom line, where I could hop on literally Instagram video call with someone across the country or across the world and be able to share information on a one-on-one basis. So those two were great.
Speaker 2:And then the most recent success I've had is with a recipe which I call magic with cream, because again I saw people wanting this structural buttercream but not loving how heavy it can be and their customers wanting something different, and it was truly a order I got of, like, hey, we would love these cupcakes and can you do it with whipped cream?
Speaker 2:And I was crazy enough to say, yes, I'll figure out a way to make this happen where it needed to sit out in the heat over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was like, ok, this is the time. I needed that little kick of a deadline to figure something out. And through this experimenting I found a whipped cream recipe that not only was delicious and customizable in flavor, but it really held up in stacked cakes, in cupcakes, outside in the heat. It was amazing and from that recipe I've been able we just hit $40,000 over a year and a half of selling it, and that has been a huge blessing in our business, so much so that I've been able to hire my husband, which is like the craziest thing ever, but it's is such a blessing, and when you open your hand to helping others, they definitely come back far more than you can ever imagine, and I'm so grateful for that.
Speaker 1:Yes, amen, girl. And so 40,000 from one product, or just one product? Yeah, man, that's why I'm always telling people that is so awesome. And here's the crazy thing you said it was buttercream, and I know there are hundreds of buttercream recipes out there, but $40,000 from one buttercream recipe, man, that is mind blowing, girl. I love that result. That, right there. I know it's going to bless somebody, because so many people are afraid to even sell the cake. And here it is You're selling the buttercream which could go with a cake a trifle, a cupcake, a filling or anything.
Speaker 2:Girl, you go, girl, that is so awesome and y'all yes, of course, the link to that buttercream recipe will be in the show notes. And so what are some of your favorite platforms to sell your products on? Okay, I love this question because when I wanted to start diving into this, I was like, okay, I don't have the capital to pay for, like, this $10,000 platform for the whole year. What can I do? So I did a bunch of research and I started on Podia. Podia is a website creator, but you can also host your online products through there, and I've had a relationship with them now, and I'm a fan of Podia, for sure. They are great to build your classes on as well as create the community from. They help you with emailing, so I'm a fan of that platform, for sure.
Speaker 2:But, of course, the internet is ever evolving and a platform that has really helped with just one just being able to make the transition or transaction easier for someone coming to your social media platform, is StanStore. So it's just yeah, yeah, store. So it's just yeah, yeah, which, if you're a creator, you know it's fabulous because it is a way that you can have other links to things, but it makes it so easy for the customer side of things, but also the business owner side of things, to be able to have that easy transaction, and trusted one.
Speaker 1:So highly recommend that, oh my gosh. Yeah, so my accountability buddy, irenia, she loves Podia. I'm a huge fan of Stan. In fact, stan was just down here this weekend and so I had the opportunity to record with them. So I love Stan's store. They are amazeballs and so also, aside from just the products, you also have some amazing opportunities, like you were recently on Crime Scene Kitchen, so tell us about that.
Speaker 2:How awesome was that it was wild and extraordinary and truly a blessed experience. I have had opportunities to go on other shows. Well, to apply to go on other shows and just have never made it through the casting process or it just didn't feel right. And so for this one, when they came and gave us or asked us to apply to Crime Scene Kitchen, I was like, oh my gosh, I love Yolanda, I'd love to go on this show, it's so fun. And they were like, who do you want to go with? And I'm like, well, I have these baker friends but like I would prefer my husband, but he's not a baker, but he is the biggest cheerleader and willing to learn and that was such a big blessing. Like we had big nights where we were like, okay, this is what a measuring cup is and this is for liquid and all the fun things. But so that was months of casting and then to be able to go and film.
Speaker 2:So 2024, early in the year, we went to Toronto, Canada, to film everything which was extraordinary to like be able to be on set and truly the people we met behind the camera were the most incredible and kept us going through the very long days and I am just so thrilled to be able to watch it because we had to be so tight-lipped about it for so many months, it feels like, and so the first two episodes that we're in are out how the show works. There are two different teams. We're on the family side of teams and then there's friends teams and they get eliminated throughout the weeks and then, if we make it, we get to merge and battle it out with the friends to see who can win. And it is so much fun because there's a mystery dessert. Something was baked in the kitchen and we have to come in and decipher what was made. And it is so much fun. It's also available on Hulu and airs every Thursday night on your local Fox channel, so highly recommend that.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. We'll all be tuning in and cheering you on and I'm so happy that you were able to have that amazing experience. I can imagine going to Canada and meeting Yolanda. She's been on a podcast also.
Speaker 2:It was so awesome was so awesome, it was so much fun and truly the joys of coming from saying yes, having that little moment of courage and you know what we're going to figure it out along the way and yeah, just huge blessings come from that.
Speaker 1:I highly recommend just like 10 seconds of courage come from that I highly recommend just like 10 seconds of courage, absolutely. And so what are some of the things that you recommend to a baker who is looking to get started with putting themselves out there?
Speaker 2:I love this question because it is often the adversary that tells us that we shouldn't use this light we have. We shouldn't use this spark of interest we have to share with others. That, to me, is a very divine gift and push of encouragement. And it's that adversary that tries to tell you that you're not worthy of even trying it, because they know the incredible power you have to uplift and love others and the joy that you can bring and help you can bring with others. And so taking a step back and looking at it in that way can really helps me and I hope, can help others, because remembering who you are and taking the step to just turn on the phone, like you would with your best friend talking on FaceTime, and trying it you know there's no issue in trying, and maybe you're like you know I didn't love how I said this or that, but looking at it from, I'm so proud of this girl for trying Like that is incredible, just like we would cheer on our best friend. You are your own bestie.
Speaker 2:Megan Trainor, who I love, has a song I want to be my bestie. Yes, oh, my gosh, that makes me so happy. So when I need a little confidence boost, I'll put some of that music on, and it reminds me life isn't so serious, cake is a joy and I'm gonna do my best. And you know what? At least at the end of the day, I learned something.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, absolutely. I love that From the bottom of my heart. You shared so many gems and nuggets. Caitlin, I wanna thank you so much for coming on the podcast today and sharing with us. It has been such a pleasure. But before I let you go, we have to play a game of lightning round. Are you ready?
Speaker 2:Yes, thank you so much. It's been a joy and has truly filled my cup. So thank you so much.
Speaker 1:Absolutely beautiful. What is your favorite color? Pink, love it. What is a dessert you cannot live without?
Speaker 2:Cake. I know like I work with it every day but like I still just love cake. It's so good. But I'm also not a snob about any dessert. Like, if it's sweet, I will take it, give it all.
Speaker 1:Who is your celebrity crush?
Speaker 2:My teenage heart loves Theo James from Divergent. That special place in my heart Okay.
Speaker 1:What is your favorite kitchen utensil?
Speaker 2:Oh, spatulas, offset, rubber, all of it.
Speaker 1:Give it to me, I love it, and what is your favorite book?
Speaker 2:Oh, this is so hard. I'm actually going to say children's book. It's called Splat and it's about a girl and her father just getting in the kitchen and having fun. That was one of the earliest memories I have of being like, oh my gosh, like you can get in the kitchen and have fun. Of course, I learned that at home, but like seeing that was very impactful. And Yolanda actually has a really cool version of that, a children's book where she tries to make a or Yo. The character in the book tries to make a cake, and so I'm a big fan of those.
Speaker 1:Absolutely Love all the answers. Caitlin, thank you so much for taking time out of your day to come and hang with us. We'll have all your information in the show notes and, once again, it was truly a pleasure.
Speaker 2:Oh, thank you so much, amanda. I'm so happy to be able to be here with you today. So thank you so much Wow you guys.
Speaker 1:How amazing was hearing Caitlin's testimony. Caitlin has such a spark and ball of just joy and she is sure to inspire anyone. I pray, if you're not following her, that you do so so that she can continue to feel more of that joy. And also for those who are building your business, I hope that her tips of just how she networks through community, how she shows up and shares her gifts, really inspire you as you go about building your cottage bakery and home baking business. And for those of you guys who are interested in selling digital products, I mean, how awesome was her testimony. You know, the way she shares and delivers her message is so full of confidence, just so full of pure joy.
Speaker 1:I even had her come and teach my students inside of the digital product community because she is just amazing at sharing your gifts and sharing your knowledge and serving others through the content that you put out. So, once again, a special thanks to Kate. We wish her all the best as she continues to grow and if you want to check out her products, don't forget to check the show notes as well. I'll have a link to those also. Thanks so much for tuning in. Take care and bye for now.