We were lucky to catch up with Katie Dennis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I chose the name of my business (When Skies Are Grey BakeShop) in homage to my maternal grandparents. Their song was, “You Are My Sunshine”; and like Gene Autry, my grandpa would get out his guitar and serenade my grandma with that tune. I am bringing you sunshine, when your skies are grey, in the form of baked goods, which brighten anyones day.
Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I love baking for other people – it’s my love language. My mom shared her love of baking with me when I was a child, and she taught me the fundamentals. I was hooked! It was like magic how simple ingredients got transformed into something delicious. I’m pretty well known for my flavor combos as well as french macarons and letter/number cakes. That’s where I get to be the most creative and really let my artistic side take over. My fun NEW product are my gluten free holiday cookie wreaths – they are a huge hit. I don’t know anyone else that creates these and I believe their uniqueness and my originality really shine on these beauties!
I also thrive on themes and get super excited when I’m baking for a milestone, wedding or holiday. I am so honored my clients chose ME to help them celebrate their special occasion. It thrills me to be a part of their day.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Three words: Word. Of. Mouth. I cannot stress enough how important it is for clients to recommend you to future clients! Building that trust and good communication skills with your clients is key.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I strictly use social media for sales for my bakeshop. If someone is in need of a product, they will message me and we go from there. I love it because I live in a very rural area where reception is sometimes nonexistent, but my wifi is fantastic – I can be in the middle of baking a cake and respond to a message without having to stop working or tell my kiddos to be quiet like I’d have to for a phone call.
I may transition to a website and take orders through there as I’d be better able to sort through them, but for the moment this has been working perfectly for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whenskiesaregreybakeshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenskiesaregreybakeshop
Image Credits
Katie Dennis