Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Briard.
Alison, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I watched my Grandmother, Dot, bake cakes for birthdays, weddings and special occasions. That inspired me to pursue this as a career because I loved the thought of being a part of people’s special day. In 2011 I graduated Cum Laude from The Art Institute of Atlanta in Dunwoody with a specialization in Baking & Pastry. After college, I worked in restaurants, paid my dues, and slowly started to do cakes for friends and family. At the time, I had no idea that I would be as busy as I am today.
I was eventually able to quit my bartending job in Vinings, a very well paying job, and pay the bills with my cakes! It was an amazing feeling. This was around 2015. I also had my daughter in 2015 and began making my business legitimate. I registered with the Department of Agriculture as a Licensed Home Bakery, or “cottage food bakery.” My dream had become a reality and I was so excited! Since 2015 I have gone from making 2 or 3 cakes a month to about 5 to 6 cakes per weekend! I am proud to say I have turned a hobby into a profitable business. I enjoy being able to stay home with my daughter and work to create my own schedule. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love each day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been as smooth as paving your own way can be expected to be. There are struggles in pursuing your dreams in any case but the end result is well worth it. I have moved my business to three different areas in the Atlanta Metro area. Before each move, I struggled for a while, knowing that it may be the end of my business. But each time it has made my business and me stronger! My advice to other women is to never let doubt keep you from doing something. Doubts are normal! Or use that doubt as a seed. Prove yourself wrong. It’s so satisfying to make it to the other side. And if you fail, you will have an incredible learning experience to take with you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sugar’s Cakes – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I offer custom special occasion cakes. I usually design each and every cake special for each client. I make handmade toppers and details for the cakes out of gumpaste, fondant, rice Krispie treats. I also offer bridal cakes, cupcakes, custom cookies and more!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I always take every opportunity to tell people about my journey and my business. Each encounter is a marketing opportunity. Each day is a promotional event. When the business is YOURS, you must make your life about the health and well being of that business. Network at every opportunity. Give away freebies if you can, attend vendor events, meet people, find ways to get yourself out there. The only way to grow a business is to increase exposure. So take every day as a new opportunity to tell someone about your journey!
Pricing:
- Custom cakes start at $55
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.sugarscakes.net
- Phone: 4045802263
- Email: sugarscakesatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarscakes1/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SugarsCakes1/
Image Credit:
NEON SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY
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