Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brianne Aho. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brianne, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I think starting out with my Mission is important here:
I create made to order bakes from scratch using high quality, local ingredients while getting to know you and guiding you along the way; because when it comes to a memorable event, the magic is in the details.
When I started this business, what I was seeing around me was a lot of frustration, Overworked business owners, supply shortages, inflation, humans not putting their best foot forward, an overwhelming feeling to complain, and plain ole burnout. I wanted to be a light in a very dark time.
Customer service became my priority. Planning your wedding or event should be a happy time and I am here every step of the way to make this part of it easier. I am a detail oriented individual who strives to make the best treats you have ever had. Although I am new to the arena, my teaching background has come in handy; I am naturally a lifelong learner who has to be flexible. I have learned so much in the last 6 months and can’t wait to see what is in store for me.
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?
The whole idea started when I was home from work (for the tenth time in months) with a sick one year old. It was 2021, I was an elementary school teacher and first time mom during the pandemic. Trying to navigate returning to in-person school as a mom, I was feeling burnt out with work and lost as a lot of people were. Feeling the stress and needing inspiration, I turned to my kitchen and made a batch of cookies. Then I thought, “what if I started an Instagram feed where I can share what I make?An accountability piece to pursue this interest more often, and to learn more and share what I create?” So that day with a snoozing baby on my lap, I started an account.
I started to take on small requests from friends, which turned into a few wedding requests, which turned into paying customers. I created and filled orders after work and on the weekends for a year and then took a cold hard look at what I really wanted to do every day. I wanted to stay home, be mom, spend more time with my family, and be creative every day. In June 2022 I walked away from my 9-5 and took a leap of faith.
I create made to order bakes and cakes from scratch using high quality, local ingredients. I specialize in wedding and event cakes but love to create for birthdays, corporate events, and holidays. I think taking the time to get to know my clients and their needs/wants are what set me apart. Not only will I strive to bring your design dreams to life, but it will taste amazing. I am really excited to be a new vendor in this space for the valley and would love chat with you about an upcoming event.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Honestly, for me, patience is the answer here. Which happens to be something I am not good at. I worked hard for a year, working my 9-5 and then baking in the spare moments, and took every penny I made on cakes and put it aside. It was important for me to be able to make this work without a loan or adding stress to my family. I didn’t leave my day job until I was going to make enough money baking to replace that income.
I am lucky to be in a business with low overhead so startup costs for me were small compared to others. I leapt during wedding season, so much of my start up cost was just in getting orders fulfilled for the summer. I took the steps to get my cottage license and get an official logo. I met with a small business coach at FVCC (this is a free service through the state and I highly recommend). He helped me get a business plan in place and was set up for success come tax season. Marketing and joining local groups to get my name out there was next.
All of this has happened slowly over the last year and a half, but here we are. I am no where near finished but am proud to be where I am this early in the game.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth. Weddings are a natural place to grow. With large gatherings you get to audition for a lot of people all at once. You have a slice of delicious wedding cake and that is something we can all bond over right? Next, you are asking the couple where it came from and they get to share their story of excellent customer service. I always leave a few stickers and business cards at my weddings for easy reference. Next thing I know, I have inquiries in my inbox referencing the tasty treats they enjoyed at their friend’s wedding. Birthdays and corporate events tend to go the same way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bakesandcakesbybrie.com
- Instagram: @bakesandcakesbybrie
- Other: email: brie@bakesandcakes.one
Image Credits
Presley Gray Photography Jeremiah and Rachel Photography