Meet Ashley Hill of Iridescent Bakeshop in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hill.

Ashley, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Iridescent at the very start of quarantine this year. Iridescent has been an idea in my head for a while, but I didn’t exactly know how to execute it. It wasn’t until we were all stuck inside our homes and couldn’t go to public places that I realize I could offer my pastries via front porch delivery! I have a lot of great friends that supported me and encouraged me to do this! They were what kept me going at it.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been mostly smooth! My only trials came with delivering. I wasn’t super familiar with delivering much of anything, let alone pastries. I still have some hard delivery days, but for the most part, it’s been pretty smooth sailing.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Iridescent Bakeshop – what should we know?
Iridescent is an eclectic home bakery that is known for is Asian inspired filled milk bread buns. Right now, we only offer what I like to call “OG Pastry Box” that includes one savory bun, one sweet bun, one surprise pastry, and two different types of cookies, all for $20! We’re probably most known for our Bacon Tomato Bun, which is our Southern take on these lovely Chinese BBQ Pork Buns that I had in Seattle once and our Thai Tea Snickerdoodle Cookies. My most proud moment was when I decided to take what I learned from my mentors and actually apply it to starting Iridescent. What sets me apart from others is that I am a young black female business owner! I thought that this climate would be very hard to start a business in as a black woman, but Atlanta has totally welcomed me with open arms!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I definitely want to credit my current boss outside of Iridescent, Sarah O’Brien, owner of Little Tart Bakeshop. I’ve known her since I was 19 years old and she’s has taught me so much about baking, bravery, and problem-solving! Also just want to credit all of my old bosses as well that I learned from a long my baking journeys such as Cheryl and Griff Day of Bake in the Day Bakery and more. Most of all, I want to credit both of my grandmothers for where I am today. My whole life, I’ve watched them feed their families (there’s a lot of us) and cooking with love. It’s because of them that I am so passionate about food! My Mom has been such a HUGE help with baking and delivering for Iridescent. I would not be as successful without her. Lastly, all of my friends who shared Iridescent on social media has probably helped me the absolute most.

Pricing:

• OG Pastry Box $20

Contact Info:

• Website: iridescentbakeshop.wixsite.com/atlanta
• Phone: 229-454-0351
• Instagram: iridescentbkshp

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