We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Vavra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name “With Grace Pastries” embodies elegance, sophistication, and a sense of refined artistry in its pastry products. “Grace” often conveys a sense of style, charm, and beauty, while “pastries” indicates the focus of the business. When combined, the name “With Grace Pastries” signifies a commitment to creating pastries that are not only delicious but also crafted with an emphasis on beauty and artistry. As a business in whole I value the concept of grace, not only in my products, but my service and overall approach to the culinary experience.

Nikki , 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?

Hello there! I’m Nikki Vavra, the proud owner of With Grace Pastries. Pastry Chef, Cake Artist, and New Mama. I pour my passion into crafting artisanal cakes that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. With over 12 years of experience in baking and pastry, my journey began at Broadmoor Technical Center in 2009, where I delved into Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry programs. This educational experience was instrumental in shaping my career path, igniting my love for baking and setting me on the path to becoming a professional in the field.

After spending over a decade in the Restaurant and Culinary Industry, I decided to explore the world of custom cakes in 2021, and it was a perfect fit. The process of creating each unique cake fascinated me, and as I started sharing my creations with family and friends, I discovered a significant demand for custom cakes in the local Kansas City market. This realization prompted me to expand my reach, attracting new clients and ultimately leading to the establishment of my business in 2023.

With Grace Pastries, my focus is on creating tailor-made cakes, created uniquely for each client. In addition to my signature cakes, I offer a delightful selection of cupcakes, pies and other baked goods. I take immense pride in delivering delightful experiences to my clients through my confectionery creations, and I am eager to continue spreading joy through my delicious and visually captivating treats.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Transitioning from a side hustle of baking cakes for friends and family to a full-time business was a journey that required dedication, strategic planning, and a deep passion for baking. I worked hard at building a strong brand, developed a business plan, focused on quality, and found my strengths. After months of planning I recognized the right moment to transition, and finally made the leap.

Some key milestone moments were when I started getting repeat customers, and lots of positive feedback. I gained new followers on Social Media, and word of mouth really started to kick in. I then quickly realized there was a need for creative custom cakes in Kansas City.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As a new first-time mom running my own cake business, “Sweet Beginnings Bakery,” I found myself facing the challenge of balancing the demands of motherhood with the needs of my growing business. Prior to becoming a mom, I had been able to dedicate long hours to perfecting intricate cake designs and attending numerous events and markets to promote my business. However, the arrival of my little one meant that I had to find a new way to manage my time and energy while maintaining the success of my bakery.

Realizing that I needed to pivot in order to accommodate my new role as a mother, I made the decision to streamline my business operations and focus on more sustainable and manageable strategies. Allowing me to spend more time with my newborn while still providing personalized and high-quality cakes to my customers.

It taught me the importance of adapting my business model to fit my new lifestyle while continuing to provide excellent products and service to my customers. Ultimately, it led to a healthier work-life balance and a more sustainable approach to running With Grace Pastries.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.withgracepastries.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkivav
• Other: [email protected] Website is the process and will be open to the public soon!

Image Credits
Adelynn Reece Photography Kelli O Photography