We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.
Andrea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I embarked on a significant journey when I decided to step away from my stable corporate position in the automotive industry and venture into entrepreneurship by opening my own business. This endeavor demanded numerous sacrifices to guarantee its success. Balancing the roles of a devoted wife and a mother to three young daughters became a complex task, as I found myself dedicating less time to my family in order to launch and nurture the business. Financially, I made the tough decision to forgo a salary for well over a year.
However, the gamble of becoming a first-time business owner ultimately paid off, as my initial bakery location now boasts the highest sales among all six Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries in the Metro Detroit area.
Andrea, 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?
I proudly own and operate Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries located in the vibrant communities of Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you haven’t had the pleasure of indulging in the delectable delights from Nothing Bundt Cakes, you’re truly missing out on a culinary experience perfect for any occasion worth celebrating. Our bakeries are dedicated to crafting exquisite Bundt cakes available in an array of ten mouthwatering flavors and four convenient sizes. The moment you step through our bakery doors, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats will have your taste buds dancing with anticipation.
But our offerings extend beyond these delightful cakes. We also provide a curated selection of complementary products that enhance your celebration, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, graduation, wedding, or simply a “just because” moment. Inside our stores, you’ll discover the ideal greeting cards, elegant tiered cake stands, and stylish serving dishes to elevate your special moments.
At the heart of our operation is a passionate and dedicated team consisting of skilled bakers, talented decorators, creative crafters, and friendly guest service representatives. Together, we handle orders and cashier duties with unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring your experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Our business philosophy is deeply rooted in service and community engagement, reflecting the core values of Nothing Bundt Cakes. We embrace a servant’s heart, blending a spirit of quiet competitiveness with a champion’s mindset. Our goal is to foster genuine connections with both our valued customers and the communities we proudly serve. We are staunch advocates for inclusivity, creating an open and welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive.
Moreover, we firmly believe in the power of cake to create opportunities. As a testament to this belief, our bakery actively participates in numerous community fundraising events that support a variety of causes. We have contributed to organizations such as breast cancer awareness, the Butterfly Collective aiding domestic abuse survivors, the Sickle Cell Association, the Autism Alliance of Michigan, and Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.
Prior to embarking on my journey as a Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery owner, my corporate career spanned roles in sales, marketing, customer service, and human resources, primarily within the automotive industry. These diverse skills and experiences have equipped me to successfully manage and operate the Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and more recently, the Ann Arbor location, expanding our portfolio and bringing our delectable treats to even more satisfied customers.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our enduring marketing strategy has always prioritized delivering delicious cake to the community members while complementing it with exceptional customer service. This combination has proven exceptionally successful, as not only do people relish our cake, but our outstanding customer service further enhances their overall experience, encouraging them to share their positive encounters with others.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
During the pandemic, our Sterling Heights location demonstrated remarkable resilience as one of the few bakeries that remained open despite the stay-at-home order. Our team, initially consisting of 25 employees, was reduced to just 5 during this challenging period. I consistently emphasized the importance of prioritizing our employees’ safety, and I wholeheartedly supported their decisions. If staying home was the best choice for them, I encouraged it.
Personally, I felt compelled to stay behind and serve our community during these trying times. What was truly remarkable was that four other members of our team chose to join me, showcasing the incredible resilience embedded in our workplace culture. They shared the same commitment to staying and supporting both me and our community.
Throughout this period, we encountered numerous obstacles and faced difficult situations, but our resilience shone through as we persevered and managed to keep our bakery open. Our presence meant a great deal to our community members, who expressed their gratitude for the comfort we provided through our cakes. Additionally, we played a crucial role in delivering solace to their friends and loved ones, whom they couldn’t be with at the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nothingbundtcakes.com
- Instagram: @nothingbundtcakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NothingBundtCakesSterlingHeightsMI/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-lynn-jones/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nothing-bundt-cakes-sterling-heights
Image Credits
Despina T., Mercedes V., Nothing Bundt Cakes