Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Olson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It was just after the holidays in 2016 and my husband had lost his job that had relocated us to Texas. We had just closed on our home, and I knew we needed to bring in some sort of income. Even if it was just a couple hundred dollars a month until he could find a new job. I had baked banana bread for some neighbors and posted it for sale on the HOA Facebook Page. To my surprise, people ordered… a lot of banana bread! I did some research and found no one in the area was making and selling banana bread, so I started. I made loaves and bundts and anything I could with banana bread. Then our neighbor asked if I could make a cake for her daughter’s birthday. I laughed and said, “I can try”. Well, I made a 4 layer chocolate cake with whipped chocolate ganache and a multi colored floral buttercream design. I had NO idea what I was doing. I watched some YouTube and videos on how to decorate cakes. She loved it and shared some at work and her coworkers asked for my info. I shared the cake on social media and my business focus shifted from banana bread to cakes.

Rachel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I was a child, I would play at a restaurant in my basement. I typed up menus and had notepads for orders. My first job was a hostess at Bennigan’s and that began my hospitality career. I’ve worked both front and back of the house in the hotel and restaurant industry. I know having this experience has helped me with managing my own business and offering a level of service that is a step above. I also have the financial knowledge of how to run a food service business. I have a loyal following, and I think that is because of the service I provide. I take so much pride in every step of the interaction with my customers. I also decorate my cakes with homemade buttercream, and I don’t use fondant and I am very proud of that because it is not always easy to recreate cakes with buttercream.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have built She’s Gone Bananas 100% organically using social media. The key is to post consistently and look at your analytics. If something doesn’t work, then try something else. Use pictures, good pictures, in natural light and when you are ready, hire a branding photographer to take pictures for you to use. Make videos, be yourself. Join local groups in your area and share your business. You never know when you are going to be able to help someone. Most of all…Don’t be scared!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I am a home baker. Funding my business has come out of my own pocket, using my profits. I have not taken any business loans or used any business funding. I get offered funding all the time. She’s Gone Bananas is a one woman show. I have no employees and currently bake out of my home. So yes, there are overhead costs and supply costs but I have a good bookkeeping system and an amazing CPA who helps me with any questions I have.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shesgonebananas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shes_gone_bananas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shesgonebananas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-olson-87584511/

Image Credits
Creative Content by Sarah