Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Gardner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cameron. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved sweets! I started baking at a young age and over time, my skills grew. In no time, I became the official family baker, making cakes for all birthdays and occasions for my family. I remember being told in high school that I should start a baking company but I never pursued it. After graduating from Kennesaw State University in December 2019, I moved back home and started my job search. Time passed and nothing came trough and being at home was starting to get boring, so I turned back to baking. Being back at home meant the family baker was back and so did talk about me starting a baking business. I gave in to my family and friends and started doing work on starting my business in late January. I would take the first letter of my last name and double it and GiGi’s Goodies was born. I received a numerous amount of support from friends and family and started off with free-giveaways with recipes I was testing.
In March, I was ready to fully launch GiGi’s Goodies, but then COVID-19 hit and the world was at a standstill. Now bound to my house with future events canceled, I had a choice to either pause everything or figure something out. I pressed forward and continued to work as hard as I can to get GiGi’s Goodies off the ground. Things were slow, calendars were empty, but I kept going and learned on the way, I call it “building the plane as I’m flying it”. Now, almost six months later, GiGi’s Goodies LLC. is a provider of all kinds of sweet goodies to those in the Metro Atlanta area. I now love what I do and love how my desserts spark joy to those who receive them. My story of perseverance and triumph is far from over and there is much more to expect from GiGi’s Goodies LLC. This coming year and I’m excited about it all, and y’all should be too!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh absolutely! No starting business is met with a smooth road. COVID-19 was a big one. I had weddings and vending opportunities disappear in a matter of minutes. Shelter-In-Place laws made deliveries uncertain. The pandemic made things slow financially and marketing-wise. But, I pushed through, learned from mistakes, applied new ideas, and got my business on the right track. Don’t get it twisted, the road is still very rocky but I’m ready to take it on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about GiGi’s Goodies – what should we know?
GiGi’s Goodies LLC is a dessert shop I run from my family home in Gwinnett County. What do I make? Whatever your heart desires! I specialize in cakes and cupcakes, but I have an arsenal of recipes ranging from cookies to cheesecakes to cake pops to pies. I do it all! I’m specifically proud of my decorating skills. People eat with their eyes first and with my company living on Instagram, decorations have to be on point! The things that will make GiGi’s Goodies unique has yet to be revealed. When the world opens up, so will GiGis Goodies!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family were GiGi’s Goodies fan before there even was a GiGi’s Goodies! My mom, Lisa, helps me a lot in the kitchen, my dad, Greg, helps with the business side, my little sister Cydney is my social media coordinator, and my older sister Courtney lends an extra hand whenever she’s not studying to be a Nurse. It really is a family effort! I have family and friends far and wide supporting my goals and pitching in however they can. I can’t thank everyone enough!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7705973085
- Email: gigis.goodiesATL@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigis.goodies/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Cameron Garder @gigis.goodies
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