We were lucky to catch up with Alondra Ridenour recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alondra, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
Being a busy mom of 3-5 kids at all times didn’t leave much room for me to be me. I tend to bounce around hobbies and interested because usually the hobby doesn’t stick or I get frustrated and give up.
I was becoming really bored. I was bored with myself and I was bored with my lack of motivation and drive.
Growing up, I always baked. Every weekend it seemed I was in the kitchen making cookies. To the point, when I moved out on my own I didn’t realize how much stuff I would need on hand to whip up cookies randomly. For holidays my family would get together and bake pies, cookies and whatever other holiday treat we were having. So it’s almost like it was a locked away talent that pooled deep within.
One day, I told my husband I was bored and was going to teach myself how to decorate cakes. About a few weeks later, a friend of mine asked if I was interested in decorated sugar cookies. She had a coworker interested in some for her baby shower. I told her to give me two weeks to figure out if I would or even enjoyed doing it. Friends and family became interested. Then one thing lead to another and then I was creating Facebook and instagram pages, getting traction and business from people I never thought possible.
Finally, I decided it was time to make this official and to stop everything and run with the talent I naturally had. As of February this year (2023), I became an official business.
It’s like that saying “why work a 9-5 when you can work 24/7” but I love it. I came from a world of hair so the creativity was always there. But this is a passion, I want to explode. I’m not afraid of not being good enough because I have endless amounts of support!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am an at home baker who operates under cottage laws! I’ve been at this fully for 5 months so I’m a little new babe. I create custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies.
I live in a very small town so I have to work extra to get “big city” business. I am highly active on all forms of social media. I’m trying to create and build a following to bring awareness to my business.
I am incredibly proud of my ability to adapt and overcome. I refuse to give up. I will try something at least 3 times before I trash the idea and by then, everything works out.
I’m not worried if the market is “too saturated” because my table is big enough to support those before me and after me. I know I am not like the next baker and that baker is not like me.
I know I have so much to learn and I hope one day I am also giving as much as I’m getting.
My work wouldn’t be possible without my family and friends, first. The immense support I get keeps me going when it seems like I’m not doing enough.
I love this business because in a small way, I get to be apart of some of your biggest days. I get to bring joy and amazement through dessert
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing the way people light up seeing my work. The oooooos and awwwwws. The gratitude and the split second “falling in love” over food moment. Food is a way to bring people together and I get to be apart of huge days. And the fact that someone loves my work enough to allow me to be apart of that day is incredible
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Social media and word of mouth are the best ways to reach new clients. Facebook and instagram push my content to people who enjoy watching people bake, which leads to be looking for my services. Word of mouth is the “bread and butter”. If someone loves my creations, they’re going to tell everyone who is looking for a cake or cookies to come my way. People get excited over it which leads new clients to also be excited
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/redhotbakingco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/102170962711130/
- Other: Tik tok : @alondraride