Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Winter Fate Morvant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Winter Fate, thanks for joining us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
Winter Fate Bakes donates on a per-cause basis to many community, state and world-wide causes. Winter Fate Bakes customers can enjoy every bite of their dessert knowing that their purchase will make a difference somewhere.
Causes that I’ve supported through bakery sales & fundraisers include animal rescue & welfare, homelessness outreach & support, LGBTQIA+ support, children’s education, abortion access, cancer and Alzheimer’s research & support, foster care support, clean air initiatives, global issues, food insecurity support in and around Los Angeles, domestic abuse support, food banks, women’s empowerment, holiday food and toy drives and much more. All of these causes are important to me and those I love – and the organizations that I’ve chosen to support work their hardest day in and out to make the world a more loving, accepting, accessible, happy and supportive place.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and have been in Los Angeles, CA for 9 years now. I’ve baked my entire life and have always used food as a way to show people I care – as my love language. Us Southerners associate hospitality with food and making sure people have something good to eat. Naturally, I kept baking into my adult life and always brought delicious desserts to every community event, party, gathering or celebration. Through the encouragement and support of friends and family, I finally decided to turn my passion into a business about 6 years ago. Through years of growth, lessons learned and roadblocks tackled (and some still being figured out), I’m busier than ever and I’m so grateful to all of the folks who support my business!
I’m very proud to say that my desserts are featured in two restaurants here in Los Angeles and I have a healthy line of dog treats that I came up with thanks to the palette and taste-testing hard work of my beloved dog, Deuce. Getting the dog treat line (Good Boy Bites) launched is my biggest goal for the bakery right now and I’m putting all my resources into bringing that dream to life. Of course, a portion of all sales will be donated to animal rescue and welfare causes.
I’m very particular about my desserts and how it makes people feel is really important to me. I want people to feel the love in my desserts and want to share it with others. The two Los Angeles area restaurants that feature my desserts inspire and encourage the same sense of community and hospitality that I operate my bakery with. My best selling Southern 7-Up Cake is the staple dessert at Alta in West Adams and if you’ve never had the pleasure of dining in there – please fix that immediately. From the moment you walk in the door, you’re family. Kindness and community radiates from every part, experience and person at Alta. A slice of our 7-Up cake will bring you right back to your childhood and make you reminisce of the good ole days. My absolutely decadent Amaretto Cheesecake is featured at Caffe Pinguini in Playa Del Rey, CA. This cozy classic Italian restaurant makes you feel so welcome in every aspect possible so of course you need a rich and delicious dessert to end your meal with – and that’s exactly what you get with a slice of my cheesecake.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I’ve found that the best source of new customers for my bakery has been good ole old-school word of mouth, surprisingly. I’m very thankful that my customers share my desserts with their friends and family and the flavors speak for themselves. Those they shared the dessert with wind up order and so on and so forth. It makes me so happy when new folks reach out because they’ve tasted my dessert at an event or party.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Winter Fate Bakes started out as a passion turned side hustle. That side hustle has now blossomed into a booming business that’s booked out sometimes a full year in advance (note to self to close my books only a few months in advance from now on!). I’m at a crossroads right now of trying to decide in what way I want to grow the bakery and that’s a decision I’m really putting a lot of thought into to make sure I make the best decision for myself and my family. Would I be happiest with a brick-and-mortar or an online store front? What about farmers markets? I don’t have the answers just yet, but I’m working very hard on figuring them out soon so I can continue to grow, make delicious desserts and keep making people (and their dogs) happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.winterfate.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/winterfatebakes
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/winter-fate-bakes-los-angeles?start=10