We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Malek Binns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Malek below.
Alright, Malek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
When I think about the biggest risk I took for my bakery business, one memory stands out: the moment I left my regular 9-5 job to put all my energy and money into Frosted by Malek Binns.
At first, I started my bakery while still working at a grocery store. I’d take orders and bake after my regular job, trying to turn my passion into something more. But I knew for my bakery to grow, I needed to give it my full attention. So, I made the big choice to quit my job and focus entirely on Frosted by Malek Binns.
Leaving my job was scary because I wasn’t sure if my bakery would succeed. But looking back, it was the right thing to do. It gave me more time to come up with creative ideas and share them on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. I even got to teach baking classes and write a cookbook!
Sure, there were tough times, but taking that risk opened doors I never thought possible. I don’t regret my choice at all. Instead, I feel really proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.
To anyone out there dreaming of starting a business, remember this: Taking risks might feel scary, but it’s where the magic happens. Embrace the uncertainty, because that’s where your biggest successes are waiting. Just like me, you can turn your passion into something amazing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello there! I’m Malek Binns, the founder of Frosted by Malek Binns. My journey into the world of baking and content creation began as a fusion of two passions: my love for creating delectable treats and my fascination with sharing those creations through various online platforms.
My venture started while I was working at a retail grocery store job. During my off-hours, I would experiment with baking and cake decorating, driven by an unwavering passion to craft stunning and delicious treats that captivated the senses. This endeavor evolved into the establishment of Frosted by Malek Binns, a home-based bakery nestled in Stafford, Texas.
At Frosted by Malek Binns, I specialize in crafting custom decorated cakes and cookies that stand as edible works of art. Every creation is infused with a blend of imagination and precision, making them the perfect centerpieces for a wide range of occasions, from birthdays and weddings to holidays and celebrations of all kinds. In addition to these delectable treats, I take pride in offering educational classes that empower aspiring bakers and decorators to learn the craft and create their own masterpieces.
One of the core problems I aim to solve for my clients is the desire for personalized, unique, and visually stunning baked goods. I understand that every occasion is special, and my creations reflect that sentiment through their intricate designs and exceptional flavors. Whether it’s a cake that tells a story or cookies that evoke nostalgia, I strive to make each creation a memorable experience for my clients and their loved ones.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to merging creativity with technique. I bring my artistic flair to the world of baking, resulting in creations that not only taste incredible but also leave a lasting visual impact. My background as a content creator on TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook allows me to share my techniques, tips, and the joy of baking with a global audience, fostering a community of baking enthusiasts.
I’m immensely proud of the journey I’ve embarked upon, from starting a small home-based bakery to becoming an author of a cookbook. It’s a testament to the power of passion and hard work. I’m also deeply gratified by the opportunity to inspire others to explore their own creative potential and to discover the joys of baking and decorating.
To anyone considering becoming a client, follower, or fan, I want you to know that when you choose Frosted by Malek Binns, you’re choosing more than just baked goods; you’re choosing a journey of culinary artistry and a commitment to excellence. With every cake, cookie, and content piece, I aim to encapsulate the magic of celebration and the beauty of self-expression.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I set out on my social media journey, my primary focus was promoting my business, Frosted by Malek Binns. However, I quickly realized that simply showcasing my baked goods wasn’t enough to capture the attention of a wider audience. That’s when the idea of collaboration and engagement with baking supply businesses came into play.
I found a unique approach by unboxing and using baking supplies, particularly cookie cutters, from various businesses. To ensure their attention, I tagged these businesses in my posts, expressing gratitude for their products while demonstrating their practical use in my baking creations. This strategy served two purposes: first, it showcased the products in action, giving my followers a tangible example of their value; second, it established a rapport with these businesses, encouraging them to repost my content to their own audiences.
As these baking supply companies shared my posts, my content was exposed to their followers, leading to a significant increase in visibility and engagement. This approach not only provided value to my followers by showcasing useful tools but also positioned me as a trusted voice in the baking community.
Over the course of a year, this collaboration-driven approach led to a remarkable growth of 10,000 followers. Here are a few pieces of advice based on my experience that could be helpful for those who are just starting to build their social media presence:
=Authenticity is Key: People connect with genuine stories and experiences. Share your journey, your successes, and even your challenges. Authenticity builds trust and resonates with your audience.
=Engage and Collaborate: Engage with other accounts in your niche. Collaboration can amplify your reach. When tagging other businesses or creators, make sure it’s a genuine fit and adds value to your content.
=Consistency Matters: Regular posting helps you stay on your audience’s radar. Develop a content calendar to maintain a consistent presence and keep your followers engaged.
=Quality Over Quantity: While consistency is important, prioritize the quality of your content. High-quality visuals, engaging captions, and valuable information will keep your audience interested.
=Use Hashtags Wisely: Research relevant hashtags to broaden your reach. However, avoid overloading your posts with too many hashtags. Focus on a mix of popular and niche-specific tags.
=Interact with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and engage with your audience’s content as well. Building a community involves genuine interaction and relationship-building.
=Track Analytics: Most platforms offer insights into your content’s performance. Pay attention to what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly.
=Evolve and Innovate: Social media trends are always evolving. Be open to trying new formats, like stories, reels, or live videos, to keep your content fresh and engaging.
Remember, social media growth takes time, but with a thoughtful strategy, dedication, and a genuine passion for what you do, you can create a vibrant online presence that resonates with your audience and fosters meaningful connections.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation within the baking and content creation market has been cultivated through a combination of passion, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence. Several key factors have played a crucial role in establishing Frosted by Malek Binns as a respected and influential brand within this realm:
=Skillful Craftsmanship: The foundation of my reputation lies in the quality of my baked creations. Meticulously crafted cakes and cookies that not only look stunning but taste amazing as well have consistently demonstrated my commitment to delivering exceptional products.
=Artistry and Creativity: Infusing my creations with artistic flair and creativity sets me apart. Each baked item is a unique masterpiece, showcasing innovative designs that captivate the imagination and create a memorable experience.
=Engagement and Interaction: Interacting with my audience on social media and beyond has helped me forge genuine connections. Responding to comments, addressing inquiries, and fostering a sense of community have contributed to building trust and rapport.
=Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborating with baking supply businesses and other creators in the industry has expanded my reach and enhanced my credibility. These partnerships reflect my expertise and provide value to my audience.
=Educational Initiatives: Teaching baking and decorating classes has positioned me as an authority in the field. Sharing my knowledge and skills through tutorials and classes not only empowers others but also showcases my expertise.
=Consistent Branding: Maintaining a consistent visual and messaging identity across all platforms has contributed to a strong brand recognition. This uniformity reinforces my brand’s values and ensures a memorable presence.
=Innovation and Adaptation: Staying up-to-date with industry trends and embracing new platforms and formats has kept my content fresh and relevant. This willingness to adapt reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.
=Positive Customer Experiences: Delivering exceptional customer service and creating delightful experiences for clients contribute significantly to positive word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat business.
=Authentic Storytelling: Sharing my journey, challenges, and triumphs authentically resonates with my audience. People appreciate transparency and the relatability it brings.
=Passionate Engagement: Demonstrating genuine passion for baking and content creation through my videos, posts, and interactions creates a relatable and enthusiastic connection with my audience.
In essence, the confluence of my skills, creativity, interaction, and dedication has led to the establishment of a reputation that stands as a symbol of trust, innovation, and expertise in the baking and content creation market.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frostedbymalekbinns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/frostedbymalekbinns