We were lucky to catch up with Elfie Astier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elfie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

The baking industry is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of consumers. Some of the biggest trends that are shaping the industry are:

– Health and wellness: Consumers are more aware of the nutritional value and ingredients of baked goods, and are looking for products that are low in sugar, fat, and calories, and high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. Bakers are using alternative flours, natural sweeteners, plant-based ingredients, and functional additives to create healthier and more satisfying products.
– Sustainability: Consumers are also more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, and are seeking products that are made with organic, local, and fair-trade ingredients, and that have minimal packaging and waste. Bakers are adopting eco-friendly practices such as reducing energy and water consumption, sourcing from ethical suppliers, and using biodegradable or recyclable materials.
– Innovation and personalization: Consumers are always looking for new and exciting products that cater to their specific tastes and needs. Bakers are experimenting with new flavors, textures, shapes, and formats, such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, paleo, or allergen-free options, as well as customized cakes, cookies, and pastries that can be ordered online or through apps.

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?

Elfie Weiss is the owner of **Hotcakes Bakes**, a full-service bakery established in 2006 in Los Angeles, California.Hotcakes Bakes is a bakery in Los Angeles that specializes in cakes, cupcakes, pies, and other baked goods. They use fresh ingredients and make everything from scratch. Hotcakes Bakes has been in business since 2006 and has won several awards for their delicious creations. They also offer catering services and custom orders for special occasions. Elfife was born in Paris, France, to a family of cabaret artists, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in entertainment. She later discovered her passion for baking, which she learned from her father, who was also a pastry chef. She trained in renowned bakeries such as Gerard Mulot and Laduree in Paris, and opened Hotcakes Bakes with a touch of cabaret flair. She creates exquisite cakes, macarons, cookies, cupcakes and other desserts that satisfy the eyes and taste-buds of her customers. She was the first-ever winner of Cupcake Wars in 2009, and has expanded her offerings while partnering with her son Dylan Weiss to include a natural wine bar and gastronomic restaurant Evil Twin.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing your clients in the baking and small business world is to create a strong online presence. By having a website, social media accounts, and a blog, you can showcase your products, share customer testimonials, and offer valuable tips and insights. This way, you can attract new customers, build trust and loyalty, and increase your visibility and reach. Also maintaining quality control and making sure your product is always consistent. Longevity speaks for itself , when you have been in business nearly 20 years, then it counts.

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

I have achieved my success through my efforts and resources. I did not rely on external funding or support from anyone else. I worked hard, learned from my mistakes, and overcame many challenges. I am proud of what I have accomplished and I am confident in my abilities. Although I fancy the idea of having an investor to have the ability to grow faster

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hotcakesbakes.com www.eviltwinla.com
• Instagram: @hotcakesbakes. @eviltwin.la

Image Credits
mine