We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ann Archer Atkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ann Archer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

manage my own social media. I chose to keep it in-house because it allows me to stay closely connected to my audience and maintain a consistent voice that truly reflects my brand. Since so much of what I do is visual and personal—custom cakes, styled tablescapes, and behind-the-scenes moments—authenticity is key. I’ve intentionally made myself part of the brand and I think that personal connection helps build trust and engagement.

The results have been strong: consistent engagement and a loyal, growing community. It definitely takes time and planning though. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of batching content and paying attention to what my audience responds to.

For other business owners, I’d say that if you enjoy storytelling and have a clear vision for your brand, managing your social media yourself can be incredibly rewarding. I especially love creating full photoshoots from concept to cake. To me, a cake isn’t just dessert—it’s the centerpiece of a celebration. I try to showcase the whole experience so people don’t just want a cake—they feel like they need one.

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?

Hi! I’m Ann Archer, the owner of Everything Sweet, a boutique bakery and creative studio based in Auburn, Alabama. I specialize in custom cakes, floral-inspired desserts, and whimsical tablescapes that bring beauty and joy to life’s celebrations. I also offer creative consulting services for styled shoots, brand collaborations, and event design.

My love for baking started in childhood, but Everything Sweet really began as a creative outlet—a way to combine my background in design with my passion for hosting and making beautiful things. Over time, it grew into a business centered on the idea that desserts can be both delicious and artful. I’m drawn to storytelling through visuals, so I love crafting cakes that are not just food, but the centerpiece of a celebration—something memorable and meaningful.

Everything I make is rooted in intention, from the fresh flowers on top of a cake to the way I style a party table. I also create seasonal offerings, like mini snack cakes, holiday treats, and summer baking camps for kids, which are some of my favorite ways to connect with the community. Beyond that, I collaborate with lifestyle, kitchen, and home brands to create custom content that showcases their products in a naturally beautiful way—always with a little magic and whimsy.

What sets Everything Sweet apart is that it’s more than just a bakery. It’s a full experience. I’m not just making a cake—I’m helping someone celebrate a special moment in a way that feels elevated and personal. I approach each project with a designer’s eye and a host’s heart.

I’m most proud of the community that’s formed around this business—of the families who return year after year for birthday cakes, the kids who gain confidence in my summer camps, and the customers who trust me to bring their vision to life. I want people to know that Everything Sweet is rooted in care, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re ordering a cake, attending a workshop, or just following along on social media, I hope you leave feeling inspired.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started small—really small! I was 23 with almost no money to my name, and I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to take out loans or rely on the bank for funding. My first shop was a 10×10 square, and I had $1,000 to spend on merchandise and shelves. Everything was secondhand, and I truly bootstrapped it from the ground up.

I grew small and spent small, learning as I went. That slow, intentional growth allowed me to build a strong foundation and really understand what worked. So when the time came to move into a larger space, I felt confident and prepared. I didn’t just grow out of necessity—I grew because I was truly ready.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I was fresh out of college, I was working as a kindergarten teacher—and honestly, I was struggling. It wasn’t what I had dreamed of, and I felt completely lost. I didn’t know what I was going to do with the rest of my life, but I knew something had to change.

At the time, I was baking on the side just for fun, and it quickly became the thing I looked forward to most. I started getting small orders and slowly began to grow that side hustle into something more. That’s what eventually led me to open my first shop. It was a leap, but it felt like the first step toward something that really fit who I was.

That pivot was scary, but it taught me to listen to what brings me joy and not be afraid to start over.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.everythingsweetauburn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingsweet.auburn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-archer-arnall-b35784227

Image Credits

Madeline Outlaw Photography
MCS Photography