We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Rogers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The biggest challenge is rising and fluctuating costs. All of the costs with running the business change each year. From utilities, rent, and not to mention the insane food cost increase. I purchased my business at the end of 2018. After a great year.. we all know what happend.
I was determined to make it work. Not only were we shut down. The supplies were scarce and the prices began rising. It hasn’t been the same since. So, long story short the challenge had been staying ahead of the rising costs. Trying to predict the costs before they happen. It’s hard to know where to set prices for the next wedding season. My clients want to book sometimes a year in advance.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the industry working at a Baskin Robbins. I started making ice cream cakes and my boss Judy encouraged me to go to culinary school. She noticed the natural ability I had to create the cakes and gave me a nudge. I wasn’t thinking about cakes as a profession until then. I always loved to bake. But the food network and tv shows weren’t around 20+yrs ago. It wasn’t as cool and glamours as it’s portrayed to be now.
I graduated in 2004. Did my internship and got a job at Beaverton Bakery. I worked off and on there for 15 yrs and had an opportunity to purchase my own shop in 2018. Here we are.
I focus on providing custom cakes. I make a variety if desserts from cookies, cheesecake, French macarons, etc. But my clients know me best for bringing their vision to life. It’s a joy to be a part of the milestones they celebrate. Birthday’s, anniversaries, weddings, etc. I have delivered wedding cakes to hood river, or and past Bellevue/Kirkland, WA. I go everywhere! I love my delivery adventures. Lol
I know there are a lot of options for cakes. I’m grateful every time a client chooses me for their special occasion. I’m a passionate person who is fortunate enough to love what they do for a living. I put all of that love into my creations. And that’s why people come back. My cakes look cool AND taste good!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had to pivot during covid. And I keep changing every year it seems. I think staying flexible and open to new ways to operate has been key for me.
When i decided to stop selling grab and go retail items. I faced harsh criticism. But then several other businesses decided to. I knew I had made the right choice for me, and had to stick with it even though some of my clients weren’t happy about it. But had I continued to keep making desserts for my case and they didn’t sell.. I’d be in trouble by now. All of that waste! No thank you. Most of my regular walk in clients work from home now. The world has changed and we as business owners have to keep changing with it.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think consistency and staying true to who i am. I’m a normal person.. not a cake machine. I am an authentic version of myself at work. I’m not the polished version some places put forward, and I think my clients appreciate me being real.
I’m not always happy, or in a good mood. So the consistency comes in. Because I’ll never send out a cake that I’m not proud of. I’m always going to make sure it’s delicious and beautiful.
Oh shit.. I misplaced your order?!!!.. what time does the party start? I’ll make a cake and deliver it to your home.
I own mistakes and make it right.
Olympia is a small town. Word travels fast. Consistency has paid off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gottisweets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottisweets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gottisweets
Image Credits
@KristinaPearlPhotography
@Photographybyeh