Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharon Dorotov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sharon, appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
As a Jewish girl who eats Kosher style, I know how important Kosher certified food is to many Jewish people. I wanted to share my desserts with as many people as possible but knew that would be difficult as my kitchen is not Kosher certified. When two very important mentors in my life, my Rabbi and Rebbetzin, saw my work and how passionate I was about it, they offered an amazing opportunity to me. They wanted to invest in a new set of all baking supplies I would need to create and share my sweets with my local Jewish community. I was so honored to hear that they wanted to do this for me, and accepting their kind offer was a big step in expanding my clientele. Out of the kindness of their heart, they trusted me to use their kitchen and create their sons birthday cake before ever trying my desserts as I previously didn’t make certified Kosher desserts. Ever since then, I have been able to take on orders that need to be specifically Kosher certified and create them at my Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s house. I can not thank them enough for this and will be forever grateful for this kind gesture that allows me to share my creations with eveyone.
Sharon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When I was about 10 years old, I began helping my mom in the kitchen and became interested in the art of baking brownies. The recipe she used became my signature dessert at any family or friend gathering and everyone looked forward to them. I found a hobby that I loved and wanted to expand my baking abilities. Four years later, I, like everyone else, was quarantined in my home and used my free time to practice decorating cakes. After doing it for fun for about a year, I reached out to a friend and amazing cake decorator to get advice about decorating classes. I then did two different courses after which I continued to do my own research and practice. I realized how much I loved the look and idea of simple, modern cakes, and I knew it was what I was best at. I began to make cakes for friends and family on special occasions and even posted a few on Instagram. I had a few people tell me I should consider selling my baked goods and cakes, so I brainstormed a name and created Simple Sweet Cakes. This name truly represents my products and the simplicity of my baked goods. Throughout the past two years I perfected my macarons, cookies, brownies, and cakes and can not wait to continue improving as I share my love for baking with customers!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
After taking 2 baking courses, I wanted to continue improving my baking/decorating skills and possibly even share my creations with others. This happened to be near my 16th birthday, so while kids typically ask for clothes or electronics as presents, I asked my parents to invest in supplies for a potential future business. Of course, this sounded like a child’s typical dream and aspiration that is highly unlikely, but I was very sure that I wanted this. Thankfully, my parents believed in me and on the day of my 16th birthday I was very excited to receive new spatulas, pastry bags, piping tips, bowls, and more. Overtime, both my parents investment in my business and my minimum wage part-time job helped fund my bakery, making sure that I have all of the necessary tools and ingredients to create baked goods. I am so grateful for my parents for having faith and trust in me and i’m glad that I also believed in myself.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When I first started giving out baked goods, it was just to close friends and family. I listened to their compliments as well as their constructive criticism and when the products were perfected, they spread the word. A lot of people wouldn’t choose a younger business owner to make the desserts for their occasions, but the ones who took the risk reached out just from hearing about me from friends and family. I also often bring cakes or cookies to celebrations I go to, and this way I am there if someone new tries the dessert and if they are interested, they can talk directly to me about them. Hearing about sweets is always intriguing, especially when people describe them in a pleasing way, but trying them for yourself is even better. When new people try my confections they can truly get a taste of the simple and delicious flavors that they can have on their own dessert table in the future. Most often, these new clients will look at my instagram or website after hearing about or tasting the baked goods and contact me via email or text to order theirs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharondorotov.wixsite.com/simplesweetcakes
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplesweetcakess?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==