We recently connected with Vanessa Champagne and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

How Champagne Delights started was, I would bring my baked goods to work, sharing them with my coworkers, and that’s when something unexpected happened. In July, one of my coworkers tried a cake I made and loved it so much, she asked if I would bake it again and sell it to her for her birthday! At first, I was shocked. People always complimented my baked goods, but I didn’t think they were anything people would actually pay for. But that moment really made me pause and think—maybe this is something I could do.

So, I baked the cake for her, and that was the beginning of Champagne Delights. From there, I dove headfirst into research. I started looking into how to legally start a baking business, especially as a cottage baker in Texas. I took my food handler’s safety certification, learned to design my own marketing materials on Canva, and got my social media up and running. I spent a lot of time thinking through my menu—what to offer, what would be seasonal—and began tweaking my recipes to make sure everything tasted just right.

Once I had a good idea of what I wanted to offer, I started posting on social media and, to my surprise, I quickly started getting orders. Friends, coworkers, even people I didn’t know, started reaching out. It felt amazing to have that kind of support. Word spread fast, and before I knew it, I was getting repeat customers, which made me realize this could actually become something real.

But I wasn’t stopping there. I wanted to get out into the community and really share my passion for baking. I started looking into local farmers’ markets and saw that a local meal prep company nearby, Farley’s Fit Kitchen, was hosting a Fall Festival. I emailed them to ask if I could join their vendor list, and to my excitement, they said yes! It was my very first market, and I had no idea what to expect. Would I sell a few treats? Would I sell out?

Well, to my absolute joy, I sold out of everything! It was such an amazing feeling to meet new people, share my love for baking, and add a little sweetness to their day. The other vendors were so kind and shared their own experiences with me, helping me understand how to keep growing and establishing myself. That market was a huge turning point for me, and it gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Since then, I’ve already lined up more markets. I’ve got a spot booked for December and January at the 1486 Market at Hound Hauz, and I’m really excited to keep sharing Champagne Delights with even more people.

The journey from idea to execution has been a mix of learning, experimenting, and connecting with others, but every step has been worth it. I can’t wait to see where this little home bakery takes me next!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there! I’m Vanessa Champagne, the founder and baker behind Champagne Delights, a home cottage bakery based in Spring, Texas. Baking has always been my passion, and it’s been with me since childhood. I was the little girl glued to the TV watching Martha Stewart, soaking in every baking tip and trick she shared. That spark only grew stronger as I got older. By high school, I was baking for friends and family—birthday cakes, brownies, you name it—and sharing my treats with anyone I could.

But it wasn’t until this past spring, when I decided to take my baking more seriously and dive into learning the science behind it, that I really thought about turning my love for baking into something more. I began experimenting with new recipes, pushing myself to perfect my craft, and sharing my creations with coworkers and friends. In July, after a coworker offered to buy a cake from me for her birthday, I realized this could be more than just a hobby—it could be a business. And that’s how Champagne Delights was born!

At Champagne Delights, I create a variety of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, brownies, and more. I specialize in treats that bring joy and add a little sweetness to people’s lives—whether it’s for a special occasion or just because! What sets me apart is the personal touch I put into everything I bake. Every item is made from scratch, using high-quality ingredients and a love for baking that’s been honed over years of practice. I’m not just selling baked goods—I’m sharing a piece of my heart with every treat I make.

I believe what really makes Champagne Delights stand out is the focus on community. I started this business not just to make a living, but to connect with others through my love of baking. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how something as simple as a homemade cookie or cake can bring people together, create memories, and brighten their day. I’ve been so fortunate to have a supportive group of friends, family, and coworkers who’ve helped me spread the word and keep me motivated.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly Champagne Delights has grown in such a short time. From selling out at my first market to getting repeat orders from customers, it’s been amazing to see the positive response. It’s proof that people love the care and attention I put into my work, and that means the world to me.

As for what I want potential customers and followers to know—I’m all about quality and passion. When you order from Champagne Delights, you’re getting more than just a treat. You’re getting a product made with love, from someone who truly cares about what they’re making. My goal is to make sure every bite brings a smile to your face and a little bit of happiness to your day. I’m excited to continue growing, offering new seasonal treats, and, of course, sharing my love of baking with everyone!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think several key factors have helped me build my reputation within my market. First and foremost, it’s the quality of my baked goods. From the very beginning, I made a commitment to only use the best ingredients and to never cut corners on flavor or presentation. Every cake, cookie, or brownie that leaves my kitchen is made with care, and I think that attention to detail really resonates with my customers. Word-of-mouth has been huge in helping spread the word about Champagne Delights. When people taste something they love, they want to share it with others, and that’s exactly what’s been happening.

The other big factor is community. I’ve made an effort to connect with local people through farmers’ markets and events. My first market experience, at Farley’s Fit Kitchen’s Fall Festival, was a real game-changer. I sold out that day, and I think that was a pivotal moment in helping me establish myself as a brand that people trust and love. People were so kind and supportive, and I made sure to connect with other vendors, learn from their experiences, and build relationships that have helped me grow.

Social media has also played a big role. I try to engage with my followers in an authentic way, sharing behind-the-scenes looks at my baking process, as well as photos of my treats. I love showing the personal side of Champagne Delights and letting people know what goes into making each product. It’s not just about selling; it’s about building connections and letting my customers see the passion behind the brand.

Lastly, I think consistency and customer service have really helped build my reputation. I always do my best to make sure every order is delivered on time, and I take the time to listen to customer feedback and requests. Whether it’s a special request for a cake or a last-minute order, I try to accommodate as much as I can and make sure every customer feels valued. When people feel appreciated, they return, and they tell their friends!

So, in short, I’d say it’s a combination of quality, community engagement, personal connection, and great customer service that has helped me build a positive reputation in the market. I’m excited to keep growing and connecting with more people who share my love for baking!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Staying connected with my clients and building brand loyalty is really important to me, and I’ve made an effort to engage with my customers in ways that feel personal and authentic.

One of the main ways I keep in touch with my customers is through social media. I try to post consistently, not just about my baked goods, but also about the behind-the-scenes process—whether it’s testing out new recipes, getting ready for a farmers’ market, or sharing my love for baking. I love using social media as a way to tell the story of Champagne Delights and make people feel like they’re part of the journey. I also encourage feedback, and when customers reach out with requests or comments, I make sure to respond and show my appreciation.

In addition to social media, I started a newsletter to keep my clients informed and engaged. The newsletter is a great way to announce new seasonal menus, upcoming pop-up markets, or special promotions. It’s a personal touch that I think helps keep my customers in the loop and lets them know I value their support. I always try to make my newsletters feel like they’re hearing from a friend rather than just a business. It’s a way to make my clients feel like they’re part of the Champagne Delights community and are the first to know about exciting updates.

I also try to go the extra mile in my customer service. Whether it’s sending a thank-you note with every order, offering personalized suggestions, or taking extra care to make sure every order is perfect, I believe that those little touches make a big difference in fostering loyalty. When people feel seen and appreciated, they’re more likely to return and tell others about their experience.

Ultimately, my goal is to build relationships, not just transactions. By staying connected through social media and newsletters, as well as offering exceptional service, I hope my customers feel valued and excited to come back for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forms.gle/ssvz5xoT7aQtMb1Y8
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagne_delights_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/champagnedelights