We recently connected with Carrie Norder and have shared our conversation below.

Carrie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability with our industry is multi-faceted. First and most important to me, is doing my best to make certain I offer my customers the best possible product with the lowest possible price, while remaining competitive.

In addition, where you are located will certainly affect the pricing. We live and operate the business in a rural area. Give or take a little bit, I likely pay an amount for supplies comparable to someone in a bigger city; however I can’t charge big city prices. For instance, I may charge approximately $50.00 for a standard cake, while someone in Louisville or Nashville could easily charge their customers $80.00 or more. So the profits are very much relative to the location.

Lastly, it’s easy and quick for my suppliers to elevate their prices; it’s not quick and easy for me. I have countless loyal customers who have orders within a close time frame. How would I rationally explain to them that the goods I made for them last week at $30.00 be $35 or $40 this week? Therefore, too often, I have to absorb the elevated cost.

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?

My business began very subtly when I began baking for my family and friends. I found that I really enjoyed being in the kitchen, as it is where our family spends the majority of our time. I also had a lot of joy being able to make treats for our friends! As I was getting great reviews from our family gatherings and holidays, I was urged (with a lot of support from my family) to start baking for others.

When I began baking for others, it quickly blossomed into less of a hobby and more of a business. Always being up for a new challenge (or challenges) I began doing more and more, until I was now working seven days a week on making baked goods. My husband reminded me after several months of having no days off, that I needed to have Sundays off and that not taking time for myself would ultimately lead to failure.

One challenge I had faced, I had never gone to any formal training culinary schooling or training, therefore I had to learn fast, especially when it came to some of the intricate designs that were being ordered. When someone is paying for a product, it definitely puts pressure on me, so I wanted it to be the best it could be.

Once I was more comfortable, I had gone from simply specializing in cookies, to making cupcakes, cake pops and cakes. I’m very proud to say that my willingness to learn and keep learning has been the predominant reason for the business to expand. The cakes, by far, were the most challenging and stressful.

I was blessed to have a couple very experienced bakers to share their expertise with me, not just from the standpoint of baking, but also from the inner workings of the business. That being said, I will never shy away from someone who sincerely wants to learn this business.

I then expanded the business to offering decorating classes, which has been a phenomenal move for the business. Since early 2022, I’ve been holding decorating classes nearly on a weekly basis and at time two to three classes per week. I simply love the interaction with my customers and I love the opportunity to offer something to people that I wish I had when I began my business. Additionally, I hold the classes at a couple regular restaurants, a wine bar and other venues in the community, which gives exposure and additional customers to their businesses. Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce in our county, I truly believe in businesses helping businesses.

I think what sets my business apart from others, is that this is still a home business and every product is made by me, from scratch. We also offer free delivery in our area, which can be challenging at times because for every mile I drive, it keeps me away from making other products; however I have developed a scheduling system where I can meet several customers at the same time, at a central location closer to their home for their convenience.

I never want my business to become stagnant. I am excited to say, we are currently researching other innovative equipment to assist with taking our products to the next level, which will hopefully be operational by 2023.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I truly and sincerely believe you need to think like a customer. I attempt to make certain that every product I create is as if I was buying it. I want my customers to be happy and I strive to make them happy. I have found that customers are the absolute best marketing tool any business owner can have.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma, (an autoimmune disease). After receiving the news, we weren’t certain of anything. I will be on chemo the rest of my life and into the foreseeable future, my symptoms will continue to worsen.

Not only does this business keep me focused on something other than the pain and the disease, but it actually provides the necessary usage of my hands, which is very therapeutic.

I could have easily given up, but my family and this business reminds me that I have so much more to offer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriessweettreats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Carries-Sweet-Treats/100039030804807/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCiFhmeuQc_jTnFlJDmQ-bg

Image Credits
Pictures taken by Camryn Norder