We were lucky to catch up with Elyssa Bell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elyssa, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

I would have spent more time understanding my costs, including using to use a scale sooner, weighing everything, and including the small costs as well- parchment sheets, Pam spray, wear on car, etc. Finding a good system to organize profit and loss from the beginning is key to staying ahead!

At the beginning, I was thrilled just to be getting orders. Charging for my time never occurred to me. If I could go back, I would charge for the value of my time spent making items that required an extensive amount of time. Planning calendars and holiday items in advance, as well as promoting them at least a month beforehand is key!

Lastly, committing to a consistent schedule has been the biggest hurdle that I’ve come across. There are days that working from home can cause a lack of motivation, and pushing emails or new quotes off may turn from “I’ll do it in the morning” to losing the client as it took five days. When my daily items are done accurately every single day, my sales soar, my social media presence grows, and life is good!

Elyssa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Before starting Frost Eat Love, I worked for a local country club and fell in love with weddings and beautiful events while I was their Director of Events. There was a time when we did not have a dedicated cake or cupcake baker, so I stepped in from time to time, and I was lucky enough to have incredible and supportive members who continue to order from me today! After I left, I officially opened my business four months later in November of 2020, and I’ve never looked back.

While I specialize in cakes and cupcakes, I have extended my menus to include cookies, seasonal cheesecakes, dessert bars, and my latest idea: design-your-own cake slice bar! With my background working with events, I feel very much in my element when I deliver wedding cakes and desserts. It is my dream to eventually mainly only work on wedding and special event cakes, although it makes my heart happy to see children and parents thrilled when seeing another of my creations.

Over the last few years, Frost Eat Love has had quite a few accomplishments that I’m incredible proud of. I have been honored to provide the cake for the Marine Corps Ball at The Virginian in downtown Lynchburg the last three years, as well as the Amherst chapter for the last two. When the Virginia Baptist Hospital/Centra celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, I had the privilege to provide a large tiered cake, numerous sheet cakes, and over 500 cupcakes! My largest accomplishment, however, has been to simply stay in business throughout everything that life has thrown at me, both in my professional and personal life. With brides already booked into 2026, Frost Eat Love isn’t going anywhere!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

After three years in the business, the majority of new clients lately have been through Google, though initially it started with recommendations through word-of-mouth and local Facebook groups. Three months ago, I decided to dig deep into finding wedding venues and wedding/event coordinators within my area and up to four hours away. I also updated my wedding guide, attended two wedding expos, and reached out to those vendors and venues I felt I aligned with. Since then, I’ve gotten more wedding requests from these sources, and I’m thrilled to have 2026 weddings on my books!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word-of-mouth recommendations are what initially got my business started, and I have always tried to have a personal touch with each of my clients. I am incredibly transparent and honest about my abilities and availability, which I feel most appreciate. I refuse to take on any order that I don’t feel confident enough to complete because I always want to have happy clients who want to return for more sweets. When that happens, I always recommend at least two other local bakers who I know likely have the skills or time available.

The fact that I’ve had the same clients return over the years goes to show that my product is delicious! I offer samples to clients wanting to purchase a larger cake later, usually a wedding or anniversary cake. Over 90% of clients who purchase a sampler end up booking their cake or desserts with me.

Being part of a baking community that shares, networks, and builds one another up has been key as well to my reputation as a business owner!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.FrostEatLove.net
• Instagram: frost_eat_love
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frost.Eat.Love
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyssaezmirlybell

Image Credits

Sydnei with S.Tatum.Photography