We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alonso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alonso below.
Alonso, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I believe one of the biggest risk I have taken , was moving to the United states when I finished college in 2015. I was born and raised in Lima, and I went to college and study Hospitality management back in Peru. Even thought I love my country , I did not felt I was going to be given a lot of opportunities. Once I graduated I decided to pack my bags and move away. I know it was a big risk, but I really wanted it. Moving to a new country, where the culture and languages are different, it is really hard. Being away from family or the place you grew up and where born is hard. There was a time I went through a lot of depression and anxiety. I do believe all the step stones I had on my way has made me the person I have become so far right now and I am very proud of myself.
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?
For those who don’t know me, my name is Alonso, I am 34 years old and I live currently in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was born and raise in Lima, Peru . I am a self taught home baker and I own Beary Good Bakery. I got into baking back in 2016. When I moved to the United States right after I graduated from college. First city I lived in was Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I would say, I did went through a period of a lot of depression and anxiety back in the day. I found baking more therapeutic for me than a fun activity. My mind was so occupied on what I was doing in the kitchen that I wouldn’t think on anything else. Also, it was a good way for me to communicate my feelings and thoughts as well. I am not a very good communicator, so I will use my baking goods to express my feelings. I specialize a lot on wedding cakes but also I can make a wonderful theme birthday cake for a kid as well. I offer a lot of different products such as cupcakes, macarons (very difficult pastry), cakesicles, brownies, cookies, cakes, cake jars, and other desserts for your sweet table. I always thought comparing myself to other bakers was going to make me better, but I don’t think that is true. I think what set me apart from other business is and I am speaking for myself , I will always try to be me. I will never try to copy anybody’s amazing work because everyone who is in this industry of baking, is amazing. One of the things I am most proud of is how much my business has grown since 2016 to now. I see how I started and I can’t believe how much I have grown. I remember I will bring cakes to all my friends and family parties for free, just to show my skills and for them to try what I can do. Now , I am always booked every single week. I have learned a lot throughout these years and I am very thankful for my followers who has stuck around since I decided to jump on this journey and to my new followers and customers as well.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
For those starting their business I will say social media nowadays is very important. One of my biggest advices is BE CONSISTENT. It is very important to be consistent with the content you post. Even if your post didn’t reach out as many people as you thought it would, keep doing it. Trust me, it will get there. And another advice is: do not compare yourself or work with others. We are all different . Just find your unique style and do it with love. If this is your passion, make sure you are making it YOURS.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
For me, the most effective strategy it’s actually been word of mouth. A lot of my clients and orders comes from customers that recommend me all the time. I always after an order, I reach out to the customer just asking “if everything went well with the cake?” I always get good feedback from everyone and if I get a negative feedback I will heard it and try to improve next time to have a better experience. Also a good strategy for my business it’s been social media. I get a lot of my orders as well through Facebook and instagram. I post very consistently and I also look out for posts and groups all the time of people looking for dessert. Owning a business means working 24/7 all the time. If a customer texts me after hours I will answer right away. I am 100% committed to my business. Customers appreciate the speed of your answer and how fast can you take their order.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearygoodbakery?igsh=MWRoaWx1bmxpZm9jMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DVwnxpXRf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
I have permission for the images