The Recipe Behind Too Sweet Cakes Success
Originally posted: February 6, 2021
It often seems that we see the success and beauty of someone and their business, and forget about the hard work that was needed for that success to happen. Shelbi is the owner, face and powerhouse behind Too Sweet Cakes. A bakery that started from a 7 year olds drawing, manifested into storefronts, wholesale accounts and a partnership that fits together like coffee and a donut.
Too Sweet Cakes and Shelbi have been on a great journey so far. Her passion for baking started at an early age. At 7 years old she drew her future bakery with the name Too Sweet Cakes, it stuck. The passion and dedication you need for a successful business is not for the timid. She opened her first storefront in Bend, Oregon at the age of 24 and within that first year of business she already had 20 wholesale accounts. In 2019 Too Sweet Cakes officially partnered with Black Rock Coffee Bar and became the face of Black Rocks pastry program. This kicked off an amazing partnership that brought Too Sweets Cakes to all 36 Pacific Northwest Black Rocks and in the first month tripled Black Rocks average store pastry sale. Black Rock is a well known coffee shop in the Northwest that is continuing to grow. It currently is in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.
“During this first year of partnering- I can honestly say its been the most beautiful whirlwind. I never in a million years could have dreamed something like this. Black Rock has been monumental for me not only on the growing a business side - but personally, inspirationally & professionally. I’ve learned a ton and learn new stuff everyday. They went all in with something they didn't entirely know they were getting into. I’ve learned more about myself and the kind of business owner I always want to strive to be because of their leadership and guidance through this time. The coming years we have big dreams and I'm certain we wont stop growing from there.”
We often get frustrated when we do not see automatic results, but running a successful business takes time and a certain dedication that not everyone has or wants. What would you tell someone that is wanting to start their own bakery/business?
“First you have to dream real big. I mean literally if it doesn’t scare you - you need to dream a whole lot bigger. Next you need to create a business plan. During this time you need to consult other people who are willing to help share their process and the steps they took to be profitable.
Draw, write out plans, Pinterest the heck out of it, and budget. This is the foundation and building blocks towards a business that can weather the storms. If you haven’t planned for worst case you are living in the clouds and the likelihood it’ll all go perfect is no way to build a sustainable business. Make sure to keep incredibly organized - I have a special binder I use with checklists of everything I need to do - after the first store I added notes of what I missed the first time.
Refine your brand - what will you offer - focus in on those money maker items and also a few that will make you known. Think of ways to set yourself apart. Once you're established then you can dream about additions to the business. Too broad of a focus will bring a lot of wasted money and turmoil.
I’d argue to say one of the most important things - Find people who will stand along side you to help the initial dream come to life. Those are the people that will cheer you on and be there into the late hours to help keep you excited. Those people will keep you accountable to meet those goals.
Lastly enjoy the process. People say that all the time, but I mean it. Dont get so caught up in where to buy flour that you miss the part you actually get to buy flour and how amazing each step is.”
Not everyone will have the same experience that Shelbi and Too Sweet Cakes had, but to have the chance at success you have to at least start the process. We often get so nervous to start that we don’t take that first step and are forever living in the what if. Pinterest boards take over, but there is no real action. Owning a business is a full time job that requires extreme dedication.
“It requires a great deal of time & humility. I think a lot of people think a dream is easily achieved with just vision and a goal in mind. There is so much that goes into being successful in business- I’m still learning new things literally every single day.”
Tips
Be willing to learn from others and be ok to make mistakes in the process
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and admit when you are wrong in the process while being honest with how you're going to grow from it
Keep dreaming of the places you want your business to go
You need to be constantly refining and challenging yourself to be creative
Be ok with change and learn how to pivot in a way that still honors your dream
Take time to breathe and rest
Enjoy every step. From the planning to grand opening - soak it in - this is the only time you get to have those experiences
Take a million pictures and reflect on all the specials times
Don't forget to celebrate the staff who helped get you there with a night before party and dinner
Make sure to say thank you - I appreciate you. It's so important to let people around you know you’re thankful for them
This is just a glimpse into what makes up Too Sweet Cakes. To stay connected to Too Sweet Cakes as well as Shelbi check out their Instagram! She runs all Too Sweet Cakes socials and responds to every direct message. The love she puts out through her pastries and business is making this world a better place. Check her out today!
Photo by: LETSBSTILL