Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Ramchandani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
The inception of the bakery business stemmed from my long-standing passion for baking, which I had harbored since my childhood. Even at a young age, I found immense joy in crafting delicious desserts for my family and loved ones, and it quickly became my go-to activity for special occasions.
As time passed, and my son started attending school full-time, I found myself in need of a fulfilling and rewarding hobby to fill my time. That’s when I decided to turn my passion for baking into a full-time business venture.
I started small by baking fresh loaves of banana bread and bundt cakes in various flavors. With each new batch, I honed my craft and learned valuable lessons about the art of baking. Eventually, I began taking custom cake orders, which presented a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for growth.
While the process of building my business has been slow and steady, every day has brought new lessons and insights into the art of baking and entrepreneurship. As I continue to expand my skills and explore new flavors and techniques, I am excited to see where this journey takes me and my bakery business in the future.
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?
As a baker and business owner, I have been able to share my multicultural background and passion for baking through a variety of treats that I offer. My maternal family hails from El Salvador and my paternal family comes from Saint Lucia, and I draw inspiration from the unique flavors and techniques of both cultures.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, I now call Cypress, TX, my home. I am grateful to have an immensely supportive husband who has been by my side throughout my journey as a business owner. Together, we have two wonderful children who love nothing more than sampling any extra treats that I have lying around.
Through my business, I have expanded my menu to offer a diverse range of treats, including cakes, cupcakes, decorated sugar cookies, and drop cookies such as snickerdoodle and chocolate chip, which can be ordered by the batch. I also offer bundt cakes of all sizes and sheet cakes, and I am always looking for ways to update my menu to best suit my clients’ needs and preferences.
What sets me apart from other bakeries is my commitment to customization. I believe that every order is unique and deserves the utmost attention and care. That’s why I ask for a two-week notice when scheduling orders, but I also understand that life can be unpredictable, and I am always happy to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.
Above all, I want my customers to know that no order is more or less important than another. I pour my heart and soul into everything that I do, and I take great pride in creating treats that are not only delicious but also beautiful and meaningful. Whether it’s a small batch of cookies or a grand wedding cake, every order is an opportunity for me to share my passion for baking and celebrate the unique cultures and traditions that make our world so rich and diverse.
In addition to providing high-quality desserts, I am also deeply committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of my customers. I believe that food has the power to bring people together and bridge cultural divides, and I am honored to be a part of that process through my bakery.
As a business owner, I understand the importance of giving back to the community, and I am actively involved in a number of local organizations that support underprivileged families and children. Whether through volunteer work or charitable donations, I am always looking for ways to use my platform to make a positive impact on those around me.
Looking to the future, I am excited to continue growing and expanding my business, while remaining true to the core values that have guided me from the very beginning. Whether you are a first-time customer or a regular, I want you to feel like part of the family, and I am always happy to go above and beyond to ensure that you leave my bakery with a smile on your face.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When it comes to building my business on social media, I have found that authenticity is key. From the very beginning, I simply started by sharing pictures of my cakes online, hoping to attract some attention from potential customers. However, I quickly realized that I needed to do more to stand out in a crowded online marketplace.
That’s when I began making videos of the cake decorating process, from start to finish. While it can be a time-consuming process to film and edit these videos, I have found that they are an incredibly effective way to engage with my followers and show them what makes my cakes unique. I am always grateful for the positive feedback that I receive on these videos, as it motivates me to keep creating and posting new content.
While I have primarily focused on Instagram and Facebook for my social media marketing efforts, I am also open to exploring other platforms, such as TikTok. As a business owner, I understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and I am always looking for new ways to connect with my audience online.
In the end, my approach to social media is simple: be myself, be honest, and be responsive to my customers’ needs. By staying true to these values, I have been able to build a loyal following of customers who appreciate the quality and creativity that goes into every cake that I make. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the world, and I look forward to continuing to grow my business through social media and beyond.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
One of the most effective ways to build brand loyalty and keep in touch with clients is through regular communication. In today’s digital age, this often means leveraging social media and email marketing to stay top-of-mind with your customers.
One strategy that I have found to be particularly effective is to use email newsletters to share updates about my business, such as new product offerings, upcoming promotions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my cake-making process. By providing my customers with this type of exclusive content, I am able to foster a sense of community and make them feel like they are part of my brand.
Another key strategy is to offer exceptional customer service at every touchpoint. This means responding promptly and professionally to all customer inquiries, resolving any issues or complaints quickly and efficiently, and going above and beyond to ensure that each customer feels valued and appreciated.
In addition to these tactics, it is also important to personalize your interactions with your customers whenever possible. This might mean remembering their names and preferences, offering special discounts or promotions on their birthday or other important milestones, or simply taking the time to check in and see how they are doing.
Ultimately, the key to building brand loyalty and keeping in touch with clients is to focus on creating a positive, memorable experience at every step of the customer journey. By doing so, you can turn one-time customers into repeat business, and foster a sense of loyalty that will keep your brand top-of-mind for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: Batchpleasebakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batch_pleasebakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/batchpleasebakery
Image Credits
Rachel Black Photography Ally Marie Photo