We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Geena Trainor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Geena below.
Geena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I’ve worked a wide range of odd jobs—from being an oral surgeon assistant and a machine shop parts loader to a nanny and a cafe manager. To be honest, during my last job as a cafe manager, I was adamant that I never wanted to own a business. I thought it meant long, stressful days, financial struggles, and strained relationships with loved ones. But the more responsibility I took on, the more I longed for something of my own. I never felt valued enough for the time and energy I invested, and I realized that even if I made less owning my own business, at least it would be mine. No one could take away that feeling, and at the end of the day, my face would be connected to the brand.
I ended up quitting that job before I even knew what type of business I wanted to start. I made sure I had enough savings to take a couple of months off and went back to school, enrolling in a business certificate program at my local technical college. Even though I had worked for several small businesses, I noticed gaps in their knowledge and wanted to go into my own venture with a well-rounded understanding. Just a month and a half into the program, I launched my custom sugar cookie business.
Now, ten months into business ownership, I can honestly say I’m not sure I could ever go back to working for someone else. The freedom that comes with being your own boss is unmatched—whether it’s time freedom, financial freedom, or the freedom to make my own decisions. I’ve also realized that business ownership doesn’t have to come with the stress I once feared. I’m learning to run my business in a way that keeps burnout at bay, and that’s a freedom I’m not willing to give up anytime soon.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Bakes & Bites is a specialty bakery, located just outside the charming town of Black Earth, WI. I’m all about crafting custom sugar cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. My journey started after over two years in the food industry, where I discovered the joy of creating food that not only tastes amazing but also looks incredible. In the summer of 2023, I took a cookie decorating class on a whim and instantly fell in love with the creative process. It wasn’t long before I realized I wanted to turn that passion into a business—and that’s how Bakes & Bites came to be!
At Bakes & Bites, I work closely with my clients to capture their vision and preferences, making sure each cookie creation reflects their unique style. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or just because, my goal is to deliver cookies that are not just treats but little works of art made with love.
What sets Bakes & Bites apart is the personal touch—I’m not just baking cookies; I’m creating moments that bring joy and connection. I’m proud of how far Bakes & Bites has come and the community it’s built, and I’m excited to keep growing alongside my clients. At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing a sweet touch to life’s special moments, and I’m thrilled to share that journey with each of you.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I started building my audience on social media by connecting with other local businesses and people who I felt aligned with my values and style. I’d follow their pages, engage with their posts, and interact with their stories—it’s all about creating genuine connections. I also made a point to attend local networking events to meet business owners in person, which has been a huge boost. Other small business owners have become some of my best clients, and when they share my cookies on their pages, it helps connect me with their followers. It’s been great to see that ripple effect, especially since I’ve purposely aligned myself with businesses whose audiences I think would appreciate my work.
My social media is still a work in progress, but I’m proud of how far it’s come in just ten months. For anyone starting out, my advice would be to focus on building real connections—whether online or in person—and remember that growth takes time. Be patient, stay consistent, and keep showing up.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building my reputation in the market has been all about consistency and clarity. I make it a point to show up regularly on social media and in person. On social media, I keep my posts consistent in style and lighting, so people always know exactly what to expect from my cookie decorating. It’s clear from my feed what kind of work I do, which helps clients know they’re getting exactly what they see.
I also attend local markets consistently, where my booth is styled to reflect my brand’s aesthetic. While I love adding a few surprises here and there, my clients always know they can count on finding the same quality and delicious cookies each time I’m there. This reliability helps reinforce my reputation and build trust with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesandbitesbyg.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakesandbitesbyg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552468591981
