LEISURE
BAKING
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR YOUR BAKING BUSINESS
T
hinking about taking your hobby from confectionary side hustle to a full-time
baking business? The romantic idea that you will spend your days only baking perfect cookies is far from the reality of what it takes to run a profitable baking business. Cookbook author, business owner
reputation can even save you money on marketing. Being mindful of your patron’s ideas, inputs and even criticisms will help you build a loyal base of return customers and pull in new business.
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Identifying what is not your strong
and baking aficionado Grace Stevens
point and learning to ask for help in the
shares her most valuable insights into
right places is extremely important for
what you need to do to begin your
your confidence, as well as the growth
baking business.
and sustainability of your business.
4. Have a contingency plan. Adding a small amount onto each of your successful orders
SET INFORMED GOALS
5 TOP TIPS ON PRICING THAT YOU NEVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT
will ensure you have the budget
Every great cake begins with an amazing recipe. In business, your
1. When selling your masterful
order without running at a loss.
to remake an unsuccessful
recipe should start with researching
creations, be mindful of expenses
The number of re-bakes will be
your target market, examining
like packaging, consumables,
unique to your skill level and
your competition, and setting clear,
ingredients, your time and your
should decrease as you become
achievable goals to help you stay
technical skill level. Marketing for
disciplined on the path to your
the launch of your start-up and for
sweetest business dreams.
the long term is important to cost
pearl of wisdom that Grace
into every sale.
shares is that you need to
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
2. Certain markets, such as wedding
more experienced. 5. Perhaps the most important
know your worth and stick to
Embrace the elements that make
cakes, may have a seasonal swing to
it. The value you assign to your
your creations extraordinary and
them and it is important to budget
creations is pivotal to both the
play to your strengths as a baker and
to diversify your products and save
health of your business and your
businessperson. Offering something
for the slower months accordingly.
professional confidence.
unique, delicious and reliable to your
3. Identify exactly what each of your
customers will keep your creativity
recipes cost as if you had to buy all
If you plan carefully, never follow a
flowing and ensure you get your
your ingredients and equipment
half-baked idea, are mindful of your
financial piece of the pie.
tomorrow. Even the best equipment
finances, and never undervalue your
has a lifespan, so it is important
skills or the products they allow you
LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS
to plan to improve, expand and
to produce, you should be sifting
Your customers can be your biggest
replace your essential equipment
your way to success in record time. •
advocates and having a great
as needed.
www.gracestevens.co.za
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SILVER DIGEST // SUMMER 2020/2021
