Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Moody. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started Manda Bakes in 2018 as a way to create beautiful and delicious cakes for friends and family. I am originally from San Diego, but once I moved up to Santa Clarita and started making friends with other parents at my children’s school, things really picked up. Word of mouth took over and soon I was having people contact me who had tried my desserts and wanted to order some for their own special occasions. I was so excited to know that people not only loved the way my cakes looked, but more importantly loved how they tasted! Turning my baking into a business was never the original intention, but I discovered very quickly that the need was there and that I should handle it as a true business endeavor. I quickly took all the appropriate steps like applying for a cottage license, obtaining insurance, creating a website, etc. The nerves were definitely there as I have never owned a business before, but I was determined to make it happen.

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 have an extensive background in the culinary arts, and one I am very proud of. I graduated Culinary school in 2011 with my Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry and have worked as a line cook, catering chef, and Pastry chef. I took some time off work to raise my beautiful kids, and once my they were old enough I felt like it was the right time to start baking again. I like to think my attention to detail and use of quality ingredients keeps customers coming back for more! I pride my self on making every item from scratch and using quality ingredients. Everything is made to order, and all ingredients are simple and recognizable. As much as I love baking, the decorating has to be my favorite part of running Manda Bakes. I love to be creative and bring my clients sweet visions to life.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media and the internet in general has become such an integral part of owning a small business. For me it is not only a place to proudly display my work, but is also one of the main sources of new clients for me. Google, Yelp, Instagram, and Facebook have been very important for me as a small business owner. Potential clients get to see my work first hand and also hear from those who have had an experience working with me. I never thought social media manager would be a hat I had to wear in owning a business, but these days it is a necessity.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson I had to unlearn in owning a cake business (and am still unlearning!) is not saying yes to every order that comes my way. Baker burnout is real, and being the sole employee of my company, there is a lot for me to do in the day. There has to be a limit to how many orders I can successfully accept in a week, so I can still have time for myself and my family. Setting these boundaries is difficult because I want so badly to make every cake that comes to my way, but I have learned the hard way what my personal limit is. It can be very easy to take on too many orders and end up working 16-18 hour days for months on end when there is no one from HR reminding you to slow down and clock out! At the same time, I realize how truly blessed I am that my business has grown to what it has that there are times when I have to say no. That will never be something that is lost on me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mandabakes.com
• Instagram: @manda.bakes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Manda-Bakes/100087236225798/?_rdr
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/manda-bakes-santa-clarita