We were lucky to catch up with Shayanne Brents recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shayanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Shy Girl Baking Co., our mission is to provide custom cakes and unique bakes that not only taste amazing but are equally as, beautiful in aesthetic. We are an online, home-based (Cottage) bakery (no shipping currently). All our treats from our custom cakes to cookies are baked with care + attention to detail and food safety standards! We strive to provide only the highest quality and best ingredients available. You can feel safe with our allergy-friendly treats (upon request), being a chef that understands the importance of allergies, having so many myself, we can work with vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, etc. to bring joy to most children/adults who have never had an exciting cake due to dietary limitations. I have a background in art and two culinary degrees; my unique style of edible art has been professionally tailored over the last 10 years in the restaurant industry. My business is my baby and my work is my passion, I pour my heart and soul into everything I create and hopefully, you all can see and taste that! I love to push flavor and design boundaries while keeping everything seasonal, local, festive, and constantly exciting! Since what I create is considered an occasional treat or an indulgence, why have limitations on it. Everything that comes from my kitchen should meet all the senses with excitement and joy, that is my mission.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Shayanne Brents (aka Shy) & I am the owner and operator of Shy Girl Baking Co. In 2014, I was a young chef that just graduated culinary school. Fast forward to fall of 2016, I moved from Los Angeles, California (where I was born and raised) to Las Vegas, Nevada. I there, launched Bleu Moon Bakery, as a fully vegan, allergy-friendly home bakery that December and operated successfully through 2021! I was hustling hard for 5 years in my one-bedroom apartment, pushing out 30+ cakes and hundreds of treats each month while doing pop-ups and events almost every weekend. It was a whirlwind adventure and an incredible journey that taught me so much about myself and business. I was sad to be leaving the legacy that I built behind, but was so excited to start new. In May 2021, my husband & I packed up the cats and bakery and headed East to Nashville, where we have since made a home in Springfield, Tennessee. It took me some time to get my feed planted, having never been to the South before, but December 2022 I launched my newest endeavor, Shy Girl Baking Co. and I hope to grow with my community just as I did before but with all my new acquired knowledge. I hope you come along for the ride, it’s going to be a fun and wild one!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
When I started my first business in Las Vegas, I was brand new to the town. I knew practically no one and had only the few business classes in my belt from culinary school and years in the industry. You have to hit the ground running and with that metaphor, do all the literal leg work yourself. You can have the most amazing social media presence but that doesn’t necessarily build you a reputable reputation. People need to meet you, see you and get to know you. They need to witness the hustle and passion first hand and see the artist at work (so to speak). That’s how I feel you can build a good standing with your customers and peers.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The customer is always right. This one is a little controversial especially when taking business 101 in college. These days, you have to think about so many other things first when it comes to this (i.e. your health, your brand, your family, your capabilities, etc.). With all the wonderful supporters, fans , and customers, there are always a good handful of scammers and haters that just want to tear down your happiness and success. My advice: don’t let them bring you down. Stand strong with what you believe and who you are, know in your worth and success will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shygirlbakingco.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shygirlbakingco
- Facebook: facebook.com/shygirlbakingco
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shayannebrents
- Other: linktr.ee/shayannebrents