We recently connected with Chris Skarp and have shared our conversation below.
Chris , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
As a baker there are several trends that have been popular the last few years. Heart shaped vintage cakes, smaller wedding cakes with dessert tables, and hand painted decorated sugar cookies just to name a few.
I love creating custom designs for my customers and learning new trends is always fun.
I recently had a customer ask for a vintage inspired heart shaped cake to celebrate a birthday. We chatted about the colors, piping options, and the ability to make the cake sparkle using edible luster dust. She was very excited when she picked up her order and I have made several desserts for her after that.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started baking because I love the ability to pair unique flavors and create something both beautiful and delicious. I have been baking for over 20 years and it is an ever evolving career.
I make a wide variety of items including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, decorated sugar cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, pies, mini bundt cakes, cannolis, tarts, and beignets.
I enjoy working with customers to create a memorable dessert for their celebration. I adore weddings and love helping the bride and groom decide on flavors and how they want their cake to look.
I think what sets me apart from others in my industry is my ability to make everything from scratch. I am very particular about what I use and it’s important to me to use locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
I love what I do and enjoy sharing my love of baking with others!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I have learned to always carry business cards with me. You never know who you might meet while out running errands around town.
Everyone has people to celebrate whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, wedding, work promotion, retirement, or memorial service.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Before I started Brainerd Lakes Cakes I was a restaurant cook. I learned a lot about working as a team, staying on top of inventory, and making sure everything was cleaned. It was a great experience and I am grateful to have worked alongside such wonderful people.
I left the restaurant in the fall of 2020 due to some health issues that I needed to take care of.
I knew moving forward that I needed to take a chance and see if my dream of owning a bakery was possible.
It started out extremely slow with only a couple of orders each month. The first 2 years were pretty slow, mostly friends and family ordering. Then at the beginning of 2022 business started to pick up and every year since I am amazed at how busy I am all year!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Blcakes.com
- Instagram: Brainerdlakescakes
- Facebook: Brainerd Lakes Cakes
Image Credits
Mixtureweb