Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Hardy.
Hi Tori, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Small Kitchen Baking began as an Instagram account in 2016. My first ever homemade recipe was vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream. From then, I started working on the basics: cookies, small cakes, cupcakes, and cakepops.
Alongside my progress, I continued to work on my recipes and now, 5 years later, I’m happy to say that all of SKB’s recipes have been perfected, tested, and approved! Throughout the trial and error, pop-up events, parties, and accompanying other small businesses, SKB has grown into something I never knew possible. Today, I’m working toward other vendor opportunities, weddings, and communal work; I want my business to connect with my immediate location, but continue to spread outward within the Atlanta communities!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The journey continues to have ups and downs, but that’s part of growing a business. I enjoy every second of the challenges, because rather facing them as an obstacle, I can face them as opportunities to improve myself and my business. I believe the hardest challenge would be marketing and consistency; there are TONS of other talented and well-known bakers and bakeries within the Atlanta area, so it’s challenging to be the baker the customer picks. SKB may be a small, one woman operation, but I strive to make my baked goods the ones that stand out in the crowd.
Moreover, being an at-home based business can be quite tricky. It’s time management, finding the right products to use, finding a niche within the community, and supporting the customers. At times I can go months without having orders, but I don’t let that stop me. I continue to do promotional ideas to engage with customers and then I’ll have 8+ orders in one month. The baking business is an interesting battle, but it’s well worth the stress to make my customers and myself happy within a shared passion.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Small Kitchen Baking is an at-home based baking business. I specialize in cakepops, mostly, and it’s the product I’m most known for. Cakepops and cakesicles are such a hit at events and parties; everyone enjoys them and it’s something that I’m happiest to see sell out. I perfected my cakepop recipe 3 years ago and I haven’t changed anything since. However, I’m very proud of my progress within range of flavors. I have incorporated new and interesting flavors into my baked goods that not only set me apart from other bakers, but taste amazing! Also, I’ve been working on perfecting vegan recipes and treats. Vegan options are hard to come by, especially in my little hometown of Paulding County, so I strive to include vegan options on my menu. Moreover, SKB stands out because the business is SO small; it’s just me in the kitchen, baking, decorating, packaging, and selling. Lastly, the best thing about SKB is that everything is homemade, handmade, and always from scratch; 10+ hours in the kitchen is worth creating something that I’m happy and proud of!
How do you define success?
I define success by creating happiness for yourself and your customer. I believe if you’re creating a better life for yourself, your future, and the future of your business, alongside maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health, then you’re successful. Therefore, success is working hard everyday until you reach your goal; this isn’t going to come overnight, though. It takes time, patience, and a lot of cheering yourself on. The little strives, accomplishments, and goals you reach give you the energy you need to carry on. I know it would be difficult for me to continuing baking if it didn’t make me happy or it didn’t give me the strive I need to keep pushing myself to someday obtaining a bakery. The happiness that is created from the ups, and the downs, helps you work toward that end goal.
Contact Info:
- Email: smallkitchenbakn@yahoo.com
- Website: smallkitchenbaking.com
- Instagram: @smallkitchenbaking
- Facebook: Small Kitchen Baking
