Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Buhrman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Sweetly Baked has taken a slow, calculated, grassroots way of growing. When I entered the industry three years ago, I was a home baker that found a love for baking over the pandemic and turned it into a business. Because I am self taught and have never owned my own business I knew from the beginning I wanted to approach starting and growing the business very thoughtfully and slowly, embracing learning as I grow. At first I struggled with imposter syndrome and over time learned to embrace my ability to learn difficult baking techniques and playing with flavor in order to create unique desserts.

We are also a CBD infusion bakery and work to dispel any negative perception of CBD and THC edible desserts by creating delicious and beautiful products with high quality ingredients and a consistent experience.

I also really lean on my staff to incorporate their feedback into how to structure some elements of the business, product development, and how to engage customers.

Instead of doing what others are doing and trying to fit into what’s popular, we focus on creating unique, beautiful, and delicious desserts.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In 2021 I launched Sweetly Baked after discovering a love and talent for baking during the pandemic. Most of my experience with baking over the pandemic was experimenting with CBD infusion baking. Noticing that Milwaukee didn’t have any CBD infusion bakeries and not wanting to go back to a 9-5 job I worked out a way to quit and open my own bakery.

I researched the legalities around selling CBD infused bakery, found a shared kitchen space, got my licensing and practiced recipes in a commercial kitchen. Being in a shared space exposed me to others in the food industry and helped me to learn from others both in baking and other areas.

Sweetly Baked started as a CBD only bakery, but we very quickly found opportunities outside of CBD and became simply a gourmet bakery with a line of CBD edibles. We initially did pop ups at markets and around the city and found opportunities to grow into catering and weddings. In 2023 we launched a food trailer style mobile dessert bar (mobile retail) and expanded our reach in the community by being accepted to larger events.

In 2024 we opened our first small (400 sq ft) retail space. We acquired a liquor license and have a curated wine and cocktail list that pairs with all of our desserts. We launched dessert flights shortly after we opened which have been very popular (three desserts paired with three cocktails)

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In addition to networking a lot, participating in events, and coordinating with other businesses for social promotions to induce growth, I’ve found if you have a great product or something noteworthy, working with local influencers with a lot of following was helpful in growing my audience.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In my opinion partnering with notable businesses, influencers, media, etc and maintaining a good, consistent brand and products. Additionally, we really try to go the extra mile with customers. We offer complimentary wedding tastings of some of our standard flavors and products and try to create relationships with them as much as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetlybaked.com
• Instagram: @sweetlybakedmke
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweetly-baked-milwaukee