We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Siegler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents didn’t have much growing up. Especially my Dad. In fact, he didn’t share much about his childhood in an effort to protect my brother and I from knowing how bad he had it. Growing up my Dad worked tirelessly to give my brother everything we needed and much of what we wanted. My parents did so in a way that allowed us the ability to never want for anything but never act as though we had it all. My dad especially instilled in us that if we wanted it, we needed to work for it. I had a job from the time I was 13, working under the table at a friends fruit stand as a cashier as well as my own paper route. The minute I was able, I got a work permit and became a server at a local restaurant where I continued working through college. Looking back, I remember my Dad being gone a lot. He traveled for work and strived to be the best he could, always. He won numerous awards and was recognized for years as a top salesman. He told me once he didn’t call in sick for 25 years.

As you can see, I had a great role model. I worked 18 years for the same healthcare company before I decided to turn my hobby into my business. When I chose to quit my 6 figure job, my parents were right behind me encouraging me to pursue my dream. 4 years after starting my Cottage Food Business, Bakin’ it Up, I was given the amazing opportunity to open a storefront on Main. Without hesitation, my parents agreed that even during Covid, I could do this and make it work. Despite being ill, my Dad was there on opening day and greeted everyone at the door, telling them he was the owners Dad and how proud he was of me. People still talk about how sweet he was and what an impact he made that day. He will forever be my role model and someone I hope I make proud everyday.

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

I started making cakes when my oldest son was around 4 (2013). He wanted a 3 tiered cake that represented his favorite Marvel characters, with a Hulk hand coming out of the top and Thor’s hammer. At the time we weren’t in the position to spend $500 on a cake. I had always baked with my grandparents and parents but working with fondant and stacking cakes was a whole new beast. After many hours/days, I made his wish come true. After that, I started getting requests here and there for birthdays and special occasion cakes. I could only do a few a month as I was working around 60 hours a week in healthcare but I was always booked. Fast forward to 2017 when I was on maternity leave after just having my youngest and realized I just couldn’t continue to work the hours I was with the stress level. We had just moved to Fallbrook and I took my chances on starting Bakin’ it up. New town, new baby, new business. Talk about stress. But the community response was amazing and not only did I get regular orders but I also started working with multiple business to provide desserts and pastries. In 2021, I was given the amazing opportunity to open my storefront on Main in the midst of Covid. I am forever grateful for Fallbrook and the outpouring of support I have received. I am one lucky baker

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think people respond to authenticity. I have always been very upfront with the products I provide. I am a rustic baker who makes everything from scratch. I have never pretended to be something I’m not and am honest with my abilities. When people walk into my store, I want them to feel like they are family. We have a lot of fun in the kitchen and the people who work for me believe in what we sell. That is an important factor in the service we provide.
Fallbrook is a small community and I cherish the opportunities I have been given here. I believe in order to be successful, it is important to work together. Supporting other local businesses is the only way we will survive and I have made great friends with people who have the same mentality.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I have managed for years, in many different avenues. The single most important thing that I have learned from experience is people will work hard and respect you if you are willing to do the dirty work yourself that you are asking them to do. It has never been below me to clean toilets or scrub floors. If your team sees you working your butt off and putting in the extra effort, they will do the same for you. Its also extremely important to play as hard as you work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bakinitup
• Facebook: @bakinitup.collective
• Yelp: Bakin it Up Collective

Image Credits
@emma_lee_what @capturing.prana