Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Smith.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be a baker and decorate cakes. Some of my fondest memories of growing up are doing just that. I got my culinary degree after high school and then worked in a few restaurants until I landed a job at Lunds and Byerlys. I worked my way up from counter help to cake decorator and then to pastry chef. I continued to work there along with at the Mad Hatter in Anoka until my second was born and then I decided to stay at home with my boys. Being a baker at heart I couldn’t give it up and continued doing cakes and desserts for people’s events out of my house. My best friend was my first ever decorated sugar cookie order and you can say from there I was hooked and things progressed very quickly! I officially started Cakesmith baking co as a cottage food handler in 2017 and my business has continued to grow since then. Now I create custom cakes, decorated cookies, toaster tarts, French macarons and many more sweet treats from my home Kitchen daily. It’s truly the most rewarding job ever!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! I work from My home Kitchen, which there alone is a huge challenge. I have 1 oven and it’s probably running 10x more than the average house oven. I use my kitchen island as my workspace so you feel like your work and home are always the same thing. I also have 3 young boys running around and I think everyone now understands how difficult it can be to work at home with kids. I’m Constantly trying to grow and adapt with the market as it changes and with social media being so present in our daily lives it’s very easy to compare/judge your work based upon others you see, so staying positive and confident in your work can sometimes be a tricky game.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a baker/decorator. I create custom cakes and decorated cookies for all events. During the pandemic, I created my own version of the pop tart which I call the toaster tart. It’s delicious and some of my most popular flavors are; brown sugar, cherry almond, strawberry rhubarb and wild berry. Currently, I would think I’m most known for my decorated cookies. I also teach decorated cookies classes that are a blast and have pop up sales at my home for seasonal events and holidays. It would be a dream to get myself a brick and mortar one day where I could have a commercial kitchen and provide my treats to a larger audience and also to have a space to teach my classes and provide a space for Others to use for events or classes of their own.
I’m Not sure there is a ton that sets me apart from the rest besides my specific style of decorating. I’m kind of an all or nothing kinda gal. Go big Or go home. 🙂
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I truly use those around me. My husband is a huge help in all areas, my family and friends are as well. Listening to their experiences, opinions and advice has always been my go-to. I love to read but that’s usually to escape from real life for a while. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: Cakesmithbakingco@gmail.com
- Website: Cakesmithbakingco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakesmithbaking/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Cakesmithbakingco/
