Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Andersen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Megan, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success can be measured so many different ways and feel different for everyone. I believe that anyone can be successful by digging deep within yourself to find the determination, grit, and drive it takes no matter what you are working toward. I believe that feeling successful typically comes after challenges along the way. It’s important to take chances, reflect on the journey as you go, make changes, and push forward until you hit your goal.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a self-taught baker from the Kansas City area finally living out my dream of owning my own bakery and sharing my talent with others. I have been baking since I was old enough to reach the counter and read recipes. I remember asking my mom for baking tools and cookbooks when I was little, and spending time with her baking and cooking for our family. My parents were both teachers and as I got older, my mom would rely on me to help with meals. She would buy all of the ingredients, leave out the recipe and I would have dinner ready by the time she and my dad would get home from work. I loved hearing my dad say “You made this, Megan? It’s great!” I just loved hearing that others liked what I made. I now make some of the same recipes for my husband and son and similar to my dad’s feedback, it really brings a smile to my face when my son says, “This is yummy, mommy!”
In 2012 one of my friends was engaged and preparing for her wedding. I was surprised and excited when she told me she wanted to make her own wedding cake and that she wanted me to help. This was my first wedding cake, and I learned A LOT. However, after that…I was hooked. I make 3 or 4 other friends’ wedding cakes before I make my own in 2016. My cake decorating was improving, thanks to videos online. For the next few years, I had many more friends and family members requesting cakes, cookies, and other desserts. From 2015 to 2022 I would work my full-time job all day, and usually bake at night or all weekend.
Finally, in 2022 after much consideration, I decided to leave my full-time job and launch my in-home bakery. Leading up to my announcement, I decided on a business name (Wild Flour Baking Co), created an LLC, working on marketing materials, creating my social media accounts, and taking over a room in my home to store all the new materials and supplies I needed to jump all in. I still love making wedding cakes, but also now create detailed decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, and lots of gourmet desserts. I have worked hard these last two years to build up my clientele, really focus on documenting each order with photos or videos, and fine-tuning my style.
I am extremely proud to have purchased a building in downtown Parkville, Missouri to build my own bakery. It has taken a lot of guts, especially in this economy, to buy a property and invest even more money into a full renovation. I’m thankful for friends and family for encouraging me to go for it and reminding me daily that I am talented, and worthy of this exciting adventure.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The majority of all my clients have found me on social media or were referred to me by my friends and family. There is a huge Facebook group of moms in Kansas City where lots of women are looking for bakers for their kids’ birthday cakes. Most of my new clients have found me through this group. There are a handful of other groups on Facebook where I receive referrals also, which has been fantastic. Ater purchasing my soon-to-be-bakery, I have also received new clients from my website which is now posted outside of the building on a large sign.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I pride myself on providing a product my clients can be happy with. For me, I believe that listening to my clients, taking notes, and having an open line of communication is key to building and protecting a positive reputation in my community. I feel strongly about staying organized, following up with clients leading up to their event to ensure they will be happy with the product(s) I provide. Furthermore, reviews have helped potential new clients feel confident in putting their trust in me for their special event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildflourkc.com
- Instagram: @wildflourbakingkc
- Facebook: @wildflourbakingcokc
