We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Redd-McIntosh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
When I get to be apart of a couple’s wedding day, it is always a joy and honor that they chose me! So when their one year anniversary comes around I bake them a fresh mini cake to celebrate with and a way for me to say thank you! Most couples do not get an first anniversary cake OR they eat year old freezer cake which is a no-no so I love to gift my couples a cake to celebrate!
Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an Executive Pastry Chef in Los Angeles and I also own Nicole Bakes Cakes- a online based cake studio! I have always love sweets so it was easy to be in the food industry. I love getting to make wedding cakes for couples all over CA as well as be a executive pastry chef. I am most proud of every single cake that I have had the opportunity to make. it is a joy to be apart of a beautiful wedding day. My couples comes to me for artistic wedding cakes with uncommon cake flavors. My cakes not only look good but taste amazing. It is not easy to run a business while having a full time job, but with a sharpie and making lists it can be done! You have to be organized down to the sec so you can still have free time to enjoy life!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn that it’s ok to say NO! Being in the hospitality industry we are taught the customer is always right and to always say yes to any and all requests to make the customer happy. But I have learned over the years that it is ok to say no, and no is a final answer. Saying no gives me the space to take time out for myself, to spend time doing other things that make me happy. I could be booked or not booked and it’s still ok to say no. If an order is something not in my wheelhouse or it just does not work for me for any reason, I have no problem saying no and happily refer them to others who are a better fit or have the availability.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been my fellow wedding professionals! Planners, photographers, fellow cake artist etc. they all have sent me amazing couples I have gotten to bake for. Its so important to build strong relationships with others in your industry because you never know who they may send your way! I do not do any other advertising of Nicole Bakes Cakes, it has all grown organically and through word of mouth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicolebakescakes.com
- Instagram: Nicolebakescakes
Image Credits
Porterhouse LA ndvisualsmedia Peterson Design & Photography Aureliadamore Photography Tara Deaton Photo Natalie Schutt Photography Scott Clark Photo Kinsey Wilder Marissa Joy Photo