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

Hi Veronica , thanks for joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was raised in the culinary industry, my grandparents were local staples of Downtown Phoenix and owned a restaurant and cocktail bar named Rudy’s Iron Gate. My grandmother was a chef and baker and is still alive to this day fighting 2 scares of cancer. She is a fighter and culinary goddess in the hospitality industry. I set myself up for success with our old traditional recipes that have been given to me from my ancestors. We only use organic and locally sourced eggs from Dreamin High Ranch in Wilhoit, Arizona. I also accommodate certain diet restrictions and offer gluten free vegan items, keto sugar free, paleo, and much more! We take pride in using quality ingredients. My most proud moment was almost 10 years ago, I had the privilege of working at The Duce In Downtown Phoenix as a prep cook and pastry baker. The Food Network gave me a beautiful opportunity to shoot a short documentary of The Craziest Diners In Arizona.. I prepared and baked the infamous baked mac n cheese poppers and it was a huge honor! HBC really loves giving back to our community in any way we can. We absolutely love partnering up with local agencies such as: Yavapai Big Brother Big Sister, Yavapai Casa For Kids, and Prescott Empty Bowls. We are much more than just a local cottage bakery but more about helping our community and providing baked goods whenever it is much needed!

How did you build your audience on social media?

As many business owners, we wear many hats such as learning and studying marketing and social media classes. The huge advantage is most colleges nearby in your cities offer free classes and seminars through America SBDC. That stands for Small Business Development Center, they help any small business for free! I take every opportunity and sign up for any class to improve my marketing skills and or knowledge. I am my own social media manager and have built my brand, logo, website and every social media platform on my own. I am very proud of my following as a traveling bakery, we have built a client base in almost every city in the state of Arizona in less than 3 years. So what does that exactly look like?! That usually means we build up our local clientele to pre order in advance and book us up on custom orders and meet us in whatever city we are headed to next. Our demand has increased so much that other states nearby are asking for us to do events and festivals. The expansion will come as soon as we invest in a cookie bus and a bigger kitchen.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My experience in the industry goes back about 2 decades ago. Anyone you know or if you have personally worked in a kitchen knows the dedication, the tears, and the labor of love! I know my gift is one of a kind. My resilience and determination speaks in my art and presentation of my breads, The beauty in every single bite and literally your mouth drooling. I love being in the kitchen and it sets my soul on fire. Creating masterpieces with our old traditions and culture. My brand is unforgettable and distinctively unique!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/hotcakez-baking-company
• Instagram: Hotcakez_Baking_Company
• Facebook: Hotcakez Baking Company
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact No.: 928-356-8589

Image Credits
Photo with me holding square machine. Angelika Photography Angelika Selix