Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadine Baptiste.
Hi Bernadine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ll be 19 in March, and I run a cottage cake/baking business in Dawsonville; about an hour north of Atlanta. I started my business “Made By Bernadine” in New York during the pandemic of 2021, and when my family moved down to Georgia for my senior year of high school I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to continue in the new area. I honestly thought people would be weary of ordering from me because they didn’t know me very well. Thankfully, the people of Dawsonville were incredibly welcoming and supportive of my business, allowing me to be a part of their special events with my cakes and desserts. I actually started taking interest in baking when I was around 12 years old. I would watch Food Network shows with my older sister, even waking up at 9am on Saturdays to watch my favorite shows like “The Pioneer Woman” or “Barefoot Contessa”.
It was my brother who suggested I start selling my sweets when I was 16, and I got approval from my parents to start. I’m really grateful for what started in New York because I’m now two years into the cake business and I love it more than ever. And I’m really thankful to God for allowing my passion to grow into something bigger. It brings me so much joy when my customers tell me how much they loved my cakes, cupcakes, or whatever they had chosen to order for their events. I often have customers tell me their party guests were wowed by my creations. Even though we’re not in the easiest times economically, I still receive the support and recommendations to keep going which has been such a huge blessing. I graduated high school last year and I plan on starting college in the fall. My hopes for the future would be to continue servicing the North Atlanta area especially with weddings, which are my favorite events to take part in. I’m so excited to see where this business takes me next! My current goal is to take more corporate orders in the Atlanta area and expand my business into a storefront one day!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road. Moving across the country after starting my baking business in New York meant I had to rebuild my brand from the ground up, not knowing if it would work or not. Recently, inflation has been my biggest obstacle. It is never my intention to overcharge my customers, however lately my services have increased because of the rise in gas and ingredients. I’m not sure if ingredients will ever go back to normal, but I do appreciate the people who continue to support me along the way! Getting my name out there isn’t also easy either. I don’t have a storefront where people can walk in and buy or lots of followers I can market to. Showing up on my social platforms is often crucial for the success of my business.
We’ve been impressed with Made By Bernadine, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what really sets me apart from my competitors is my emphasis on fresh desserts; making everything from scratch is something that can be tasted, and my customers have given compliments for that many times before! I also put care and love into everything I do; making sure everything that comes out of my kitchen is fully up to my standards. I’m most proud of my weddings and I hope to do many more in the future, but I love being booked for all events! I want readers to know that I take immense pride in what I do, and ordering from me will mean you get the best handmade treats in the North Georgia area (according to past customers of course).
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Definitely; I’ve learned the importance of delivery especially during a pandemic when not everyone is super comfortable meeting face to face. It also just emphasized my importance of cleanliness which I practice during every order- I always was and always am washing my hands, wearing gloves, wearing an apron, etc! Cleanliness is my top priority especially when making desserts; it’s such a crucial aspect of my operation.
Pricing:
- 6” cakes start at $105
- 8” Cakes start at $130
- 10” cakes start at $165
- Two tier cakes start at $245
- Three tier cakes start at $500
- Cupcakes start at $40 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madebybernadine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebybernadine/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebybernadine/
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/made-by-bernadine
Image Credits
Tolman Media (last two photos only)
