We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Miles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

How did I come up with the idea of starting “A Chelle of A Dessert”. Well in 2022 I was laid off of my nursing job and it was going to be months before my new assignment started. I knew that I had to have income coming in while waiting for my new job to start. I love to cook and bake and when I do every one talks about how good my food is, especially my desserts.
My husband was like why not make a post on Facebook and ask for taste testers to sample your desserts to see how they do! So that is exactly what I did! I made a post asking if anybody wants to try my cheesecake jars for free. Boy, did that post blow up! Every one wanted to sample them. I had limited flavors of strawberry, chocolate, and banana pudding.
I asked for constructive feedback on my desserts, everybody loved them, even to the point where a local coffee shop said that they would love to put some of my cheesecake jars in their shop to sale!
This was the beginning of “A Chelle Of A Dessert”(my husband came up with my business name)
I have since now expanded from just making cheesecake jars to also making homemade cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies,cobblers and a variety of different cakes that are currently in more than 2 cafe/coffee shops.

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.

My name is Michelle Miles and I am a full time nurse who also runs a cottage bakery. Ever since I was a child I have loved to bake. My first baked items were 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies when I was around 12 years old and I have been baking ever since. I started bake baking during the end of Covid to create income while in between jobs.
The thing that separates me apart from others is that I truly cook with love and I make bakery items that are considered “old school” such as homemade pound cakes, yellow cake with homemade caramel icing, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie.
I am most proud of keeping old traditional desserts alive. When customers say this pound cake reminds me of my grandmother, or this banana pudding tastes like my moms, that lets me know what I am doing is worth it.
I want. my potential clients/followers/fans to know that I take pride and I genuinely care about each order that is requested for me to make. I want to provide the best customer service to each client who decides to choose A Chelle Of A Dessert.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is by delivering high-quality, delicious desserts consistently. I also offering unique, innovative desserts that stand out from competitors attracts attention by making old school desserts and add a new school spin on them. I also engaging with customers through feedback, social media, and excellent customer service and positive word-of-mouth.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me to grow my clientele is **Word of Mouth**: Happy customers sharing their experiences with friends and family.
**Social Media**: Me using platforms like Instagram and Facebook for showcasing my baked goods and engaging with potential clients.
**Local Events**: I participate in community events to directly reach new customers.
**Partnerships with Local Businesses**: Collaborating with coffee shops and small restaurants to reach a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.achelleofadessert.com
• Instagram: @achelleofadessert
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/achelleofadessert?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: In the baking business, the best sources of new clients often include: 1. **Word of Mouth**: Happy customers sharing their experiences with friends and family. 2. **Social Media**: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook for showcasing your baked goods and engaging with potential clients. 3. **Local Events and Farmers’ Markets**: Participating in community events to directly reach new customers. 4. **Online Reviews and Listings**: Positive reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google and listings on local business directories. 5. **Partnerships with Local Businesses**: Collaborating with coffee shops, event planners, or local stores to reach a broader audience. Leveraging these sources can significantly increase your client base.
• Other: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551869044155&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

na